Approximately three years ago, at a Hope Foundation Conference in Myrtle Beach, S.C., I discovered Mr. Peters’ book, “Do You Know Enough About Me to Teach Me?” I was immediately drawn to the title. As an educator in New York City, I believed this to be an extremely important question. However, at the time, I simply attempted to share the strategies. During the last school year, I came to believe that we needed to delve deeper into this essential question. I then contacted the Peters Group. It is one of the best decisions I have made in my ten years as Principal.

During this school year, Mr. Peters has visited our school on a number of occasions as our Professional Development Consultant. He has delivered his special straight-talk, no nonsense message about the business of teaching and learning to my teachers. He is honest and engaging. Additionally, the Peters Group has developed curricula for a Gentleman’s and a Ladies’ Club, both of which our school has implemented. There are notable improvements in the self-esteem, behavior and dress and appearance among all of the girls and boys who have joined the clubs. We cannot overstate the positive effects that Mr. Stephen Peters has had on our faculty, our student body, and consequently, the future of our school. We are extremely grateful for our association with the Peters Group. We know the kids in the clubs are changed forever.”

“I was in attendance today at the Alabama Education Association’s Professional Conference where you spoke during the luncheon. I am a first year teacher and you were so inspiring! I really enjoyed your presentation. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you!”

This a quote from one of our teachers, Ms. Crisan about one of our GC members:

“I have noticed a real improvement in Scott’s behavior. He seems calmer. He is more careful when approaching and talking to peers and teachers. He listens to advice given by teachers and answers politely. Jerell wears his white shirt and tie and he feels proud of his new look. He also enjoys being praised on uniform wear and his new, more mature conduct. I think his belonging to The Gentlemen’s Club has proven to be very beneficial.”

“Hi my name is keith Marrett and I was asked by Mrs kirkwig to see in which way I could be of assistance with the Gentlemen’s Club. Being at the meeting that was held by Mr peterson and having a good visual on His vision, I would see it fitting if you could send me something on dvd giving a synopsis on the vision and what is to be expected of the young men. Showing this here at aerospace High Scool I believe would be exciting for them from a visual perspective as we build on that momentum. Thanks and God Bless…”

“My name is Jerell. Thanks for making the Gentlemen’s Club. Every since I joined the club, it help me do better in school and made me feel like doing something productive in my life. Before I joined the Gentlemen’s Club I was doing bad in school, misbehaving, not wearing uniform and just not doing good. I was failing and not passing none of my classes at all. I was getting into alot of trouble and not listen to none of my teachers. But what made me change was that I really wanted to be god at something and make my parent’s proud. I wanted to be good at something in life and not be a failure. No lie, because of the Gentlemen’s Club, I like wearing my uniform. It make me feel professional and ladies love a man in uniform. But when I wake up its like my uniform was meant for me and it make me wanna work and do something productive with my life. All I really wanna say is that thank you Mr. Peters. I appreciate you for making the Gentlemen’s Club and you have truly changed my life.”

“My name is Devin Garrett and I started Gentlemen’s Club like in around the start of the new year. What a wonderful way to start the year off. The club impacted my life so much and I appreciate it truthfully. One of the many ways the club helped me was I started doing so much better in school. My grades went up tremendously, also I am proud to wear this GC tie. I believe because of this club and Mr. Mixon, I see myself going so far in life and want to be more then just a football player.

PS. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”

“My book was on my porch waiting for me when I got home, Tuesday. I just wanted to tell you that the book talk Monday went great. The insight that I could bring to the discussion opened up teachers that had not talked to each other all year. I was so moved. I hope you do not mind. I told my group of my miracle that you provided. They could not believe that someone would do for a stranger like you did for me. I told them that you were the real thing. As I read each page of your book, the students and your words come alive. It is like you are reading as I read. I also told my Teacher Cadet what you did for me. It was God’s way of answering my prayer. She said that it is like someone is always there to help if you give them a chance. A tear rested in the corner of her eye. Your simple act of kindness has spread so much understand in our faculty. I look at my students and thank the lord for giving me this opportunity to build these young people’s lives. You will never know how much your act of kindness has meant to me. I call it my Christmas miracle. God bless you. Thank you for being you. Please keep writing. You can see, I am not a writer. The world needs your messages. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

“How are you doing Mr. Peters, sense you came to my school you encouraged me to do better in school you are my new idol next to Lebron James.”