Book excerpt: Understanding Character Education introduces readers to the key ideas, practices and concepts that are shaping character education in schools today. The book explores the principles underpinning character education and the pedagogical practices which ensure it comes alive in schools. Each chapter includes a variety of features to help navigate through the ideas, themes and practices examined. These include: •Chapter objectives to help readers understand the core focus and intentions of each chapter •Reflective activities to help readers to think more deeply about particular ideas and issues, and to consider how practices described are, or could be, applied in their own contexts •Case studies to help readers to understand how character education is approached and implemented by educators in and beyond schools •Annotated further readings to help readers take a closer and more detailed look at the methods, applications and issues covered This book is essential reading for all those involved in the teaching and learning of young people, as well as those studying this vital topic on education studies, teacher education and postgraduate level courses. “Highly recommended for all leaders and practitioners dedicated to enabling children and young people to flourish through the development of good character.” Tom Haigh, CEO, Association for Character Education “I wish Chapter 2: The Character of the Teacher was made a compulsory read for every person working in a UK school; that would be transformational.” Nat Parnell, Regional Director, United Learning “A must read for all trainee teachers of any phase.” Catherine Carden, Director of Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Arts Humanities & Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK Paul Watts is a Lecturer at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham, UK. He has worked closely with school leaders and teachers in the research and development of character education. Michael Fullard is a Research Fellow at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham, UK, having previously been a primary school teacher in the UK for 9 years. Andrew Peterson is Professor of Character and Citizenship Education at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham, UK. He has worked with a number of schools to develop their approaches to character education.