Jay Adams

Student Equals Human Jay Adams

Leading with empathy, learning with humanity.




With teacher burnout and student dissatisfaction at fever pitch, Student Equals Human offers a way out and forward that could transform the educational system. With humor and empathy, Jay Adams offers readers a method for reconceptualizing their interactions with students by counterbalancing top-down institutional imperatives with a renewed focus on the truly human connections that beat at the heart of education.

Each chapter of Student Equals Human explores a core element of what makes humans unique-equality, intellect, humor, deceit, conflict, and even love-and examines how teachers can reforge their connections with students by recognizing and honoring that shared humanity. Adams balances vision with action, detailing practical suggestions for leading with empathy and offering essential plans for transforming your classroom. Student Equals Human will provide frustrated optimists with strategies to loosen the restraints of the educational system so that they can blaze a new path that energizes both teacher and student.




"In an educational atmosphere where pedagogy frequently contains more acronyms than actual substance, Adams reminds us of the fundamental humanity that should be the motivating force in our classrooms. With humor, clarity, and grace, his insights encourage us to reevaluate our roles as teachers, exhorting us to banish the hierarchical tendencies of our classes in favor of autonomy, curiosity, and respect. Student Equals Human is a call to compassion, a call that has never been more vital to educators." -Jessica Palmer, educator and author of The Ordering of Days




"Coach Adams believes in real freedom, the kind that comes with more responsibilities than perks. His was the greatest lesson: always treat the other as a human being." -Valeria Donado Levy, former student, project manager