Humane Teacher's mission is to advance and support Humane Education in New York schools, especially instruction in the humane treatment and protection of animals mandated under section 809 of the Education Law. Humane Education develops empathy, compassion and attitudes of respect and reverence for all living beings and the environment. Humane Education also develops critical thinking and questioning skills as students are challenged to explore alternative ways of thinking and acting.

Because Humane Education teaches and promotes humane attitudes toward people, lessons in appreciating diversity as well as teaching civility, citizenship and character education mandated under section 801a are met. Through the development of empathy and compassion, Humane Education also provides violence prevention instruction required under federal SAVE legislation.

A 1999 study conducted by Ban and Cummings revealed that school provides the primary influence on moral behavior. Humane Education should be an integral part of the school program from not only a moral point of view but from an academic and ethical point of view as well.

Because stories are a powerful means of teaching values, creating empathy and inspiring moral action, literature is emphasized here. Humane Teacher will provide educators with the information necessary to begin a literature-focused, research-based Humane Education program that will create a kind, compassionate, and peaceable school climate while creating readers, writers, and skilled youth advocates empowered to create a better world.

This web site was launched on August 28, 2007 and is continually updated. ©2007-2008 Humane Teacher