Many can name an educator — perhaps more than one — who has changed their life. The reasons why vary for everyone: an educator who taught someone to love reading, another who challenged their assumptions, yet another who taught them to think critically.
Now, thanks to an academic specialist in the MSU College of Education, there is a book that is dedicated to broadly celebrating ways (21 to be exact) that educators are heroes. “21 Insightful Ways Teachers are Everyday Heroes!: Student-focused, research-based and classroom-tested strategies” was published in April 2025 by Pine Book Writing.
“It’s now more important than ever to celebrate our teachers and support our teachers with the easiest to implement and most impactful resources available,” said Theodore S. Ransaw. Ransaw works in the college’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Partnerships (DICP) and help attract and persist prospective students. “[My book], ‘21 Insightful Ways Teachers are Everyday Heroes!’ accomplishes both.”
Each chapter shares elements of joy, reflection and support for educators. The chapters include actionable research-informed practices and strategies educators can use in their classrooms, prompts to generate thinking and tips to center wellness and engagement.
Ransaw joined the DICP office in 2024 after several years of working with the Office of K-12 Outreach. He previously wrote and co-edited “The Handbook of Research on Black Males" (Michigan State University Press, 2018) and co-edited “The International Handbook of Black Community Mental Health” (Emerald Publishing Limited, 2020). Ransaw is also a senior editor of the International Race and Education book series from Michigan State University Press.