Saint Rest Publications Reader Series Book Two

Book Two: Education as Human Development | Transformative SEL • Learning with Meaning • Whole-Person Development

What if the true purpose of education is not simply to deliver information, manage behavior, or produce higher test scores-but to develop human beings?

In Education as Human Development, Book Two of the Saint Rest Publications Reader Series, Dr. Lathardus Goggins II challenges educators, parents, mentors, and community leaders to reconsider what meaningful education should accomplish. He presents education as a deliberate process of developing the whole person-intellectually, emotionally, socially, culturally, ethically, relationally, and spiritually.

Through an African-centered and culturally responsive lens, Dr. Goggins explores transformative social and emotional learning, belonging, meaningful learning, culture, discipline with dignity, adult responsibility, and the essential role of families and communities in the educational process. He distinguishes education from schooling and challenges readers to move beyond compliance-centered practices toward environments that cultivate agency, identity, responsibility, purpose, and authentic human development.

Each chapter combines reflection with practical application, including key insights, an African-centered perspective, common misconceptions, actions readers can try immediately, and opportunities for personal and organizational accountability.

Written for educators, parents, mentors, youth workers, civic leaders, and community builders, Education as Human Development is more than a book to read-it is an invitation to examine what our classrooms, homes, schools, and organizations are actually developing in the people entrusted to our care.

Education is not simply the delivery of information. Education is the development of human beings.