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New!

Those Who Can, Teach, 16th Edition

Kevin Ryan, James M. Cooper, Cheryl Mason Bolick, Cory Callahan

  • {{checkPublicationMessage('Available 1 January 2026', '2026-01-01T00:00:00+0000')}}
Starting At $214.95 See pricing and ISBN options
Those Who Can, Teach 16th Edition by Kevin Ryan/James M. Cooper/Cheryl Mason Bolick/Cory Callahan

Overview

Guide students in making informed decisions about entering today's teaching profession with Ryan/Cooper/Bolick/Callahan's "Those Who Can, Teach," 16th Edition. This reader-friendly, yet research-grounded text explores the question 'Why teach?' through compelling from-the-classroom narratives, biographical profiles, top educator interviews and authentic video cases that bring real-world teaching experiences to life. New content addresses the wise use of technology, including sophisticated websites, apps and AI and addresses key issues like first-year teaching, social challenges, education reform and professionalism. Integrated InTASC standards and downloadable teaching tools support students in preparing for a high impact, rewarding teaching career that makes a difference in today’s diverse and evolving classrooms.

Kevin Ryan

Kevin Ryan, Ph.D. (Stanford University), is professor emeritus of education at Boston University School of Education. He is also the founding director of the Center for Character and Social Responsibility. A former high school English teacher, Dr. Ryan was a tenured faculty member at the University of Chicago and The Ohio State University before moving to Boston University. In 1970, Dr. Ryan was granted an Alfred North Whitehead Fellowship at Harvard University. Since then he has received the Boston University Scholar-Teacher Award, the National Award of Distinction by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and the Paideia Society's Award for Educational Excellence. Dr. Ryan has written and edited 22 books and more than 100 articles on teacher and character education. He is also co-author of TEACHING FOR STUDENT LEARNING: BECOMING A MASTER TEACHER and the editor of KALEIDOSCOPE: CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSIC READINGS IN EDUCATION.

James M. Cooper

James M. Cooper is professor emeritus with the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia, where he served as Commonwealth Professor of Education (1984-2004) and dean (1984-1994). While dean of the Curry School of Education, Dr. Cooper led the initiative to restructure the teacher education program, moving to an innovative five-year program that integrates the study of arts and sciences, professional education and field experiences. In addition to his teaching experience, Dr. Cooper has authored, co-authored or edited more than 60 book chapters, journal articles, monographs and books, including TEACHING FOR STUDENT LEARNING: BECOMING A MASTER TEACHER and KALEIDOSCOPE: CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSIC READINGS IN EDUCATION. He also co-authored and served as editor for CLASSROOM TEACHING SKILLS. In addition, Dr. Cooper is a series editor of the Educator's Guide Series (Cengage). His books and articles address teacher education, supervision of teachers, case studies in teacher education and technology and teacher education. Dr. Cooper has also received many honors, including a Fulbright-Hays Award for Lecturing in Portugal and recognition as one of the nation's Distinguished Teacher Educators from the Association of Teacher Educators.

Cheryl Mason Bolick

Cheryl Mason Bolick, Ph.D. North Carolina State University, is Associate Professor and Area Chair of Culture, Curriculum and Teacher Education in the School of Education at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously a faculty member at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Dr. Bolick has been an Academic Leadership Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a Sallie Mae National First Year Classroom Teacher after her first year of teaching. Her scholarly contributions primarily address areas of teacher education, social studies, education, and instructional technology. Her most recent work bridges the fields of experiential education, teacher education, and social studies education. Dr. Bolick has authored or co-authored over 20 books or book chapters and 45 peer-reviewed journal articles.

Cory Callahan

Cory Callahan, Ph.D. (Auburn University), is an associate professor in the College of Education at the University of Alabama. Dr. Callahan taught secondary students for 14 years, practicing the craft of social studies instruction the way he promoted it in presentations, workshops and scholarly writing. He earned his doctorate and became a teacher educator to advance a research program that includes educative curriculum materials, problem-based historical inquiry, aesthetic texts and international education. Dr. Callahan has encouraged a more dynamic relationship between research and practice through opportunities afforded him by a National Technology Leadership Initiative Fellows Award, a Jacobs Educator Award, a Gilder Lehrman’s Alabama History Teacher of the Year Award and a Literati Award from Emerald Publishing. He is also a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Fellow, and he recently completed a Fulbright Specialist project with the University of Prishtinë in Kosovo.
  • A new chapter on technology shows how to use AI and other digital tools most effectively to enhance learning for all students, including those with disabilities.
  • The new Voices from the Classroom feature offers real insight from K–12 educators on the rewards and challenges of teaching today.
  • Each chapter includes clear Learning Objectives and downloadable teaching tools to help students apply content and build a professional toolkit.
  • The theme 'Why teach?' is introduced in Chapter 1 and reinforced throughout the text, encouraging students to reflect often on their motivations to teach.
  • Balanced coverage of key issues like standards, testing, reform, diversity, bullying and legal topics prepare students for today’s classrooms.
  • Bookend sections and real-world case studies help students reflect on their career path and understand the realities of teaching and learning.
  • TeachSource videos with critical-thinking prompts connect chapter content to real classroom scenarios for deeper engagement.
  • InTASC standards are integrated throughout with chapter-opening lists, callouts and a correlation chart to support professional readiness.
Preface.
So Let's Get Started.
Part I: SCHOOL AND STUDENTS.
1. Why Teach?
2. What Is a School and What Is It For?
3. Who Are Today's Students in a Diverse Society?
4. What Social Problems Affect Today's Students?
5. What Is Taught?
Part II: TEACHERS.
6. What Makes a Teacher Effective?
7. What Should Teachers Know about Technology and Its Impact on Schools?
8. What Are the Ethical and Legal Issues Facing Teachers?
Part III: FOUNDATIONS AND THE FUTURE.
9. What Are the Philosophical Foundations of American Education?
10. What Is the History of America's Struggle for Educational Opportunity?
11. How Are Schools Governed, Influenced, and Financed?
12. How Should Education Be Reformed?
Part IV: THE TEACHING PROFESSION.
13. What Are Your Job Options in Education?
14. What Can the New Teacher Expect?
15. What Does It Mean to Be a Professional?
Before You Close the Book.
Appendix.
Endnotes.
Glossary.
Index.