Character Education

Thomas Lickona defines Character Education as “The deliberate effort to develop virtues that are good for the individual and good for society” (2007).

Parents and families are children’s first character educators, but teachers and schools can also reinforce and teach a wide range of character strengths. 

Character education helps students develop the attitudes and behaviors to become responsible citizens. It involves teaching students and adults to demonstrate moral, performance, intellectual, and civic character in their daily lives.

Examples of Moral Character: Honesty, Integrity, Trustworthiness, Caring, Gratitude, and Courage.

Examples of Performance Character:  Self-Discipline, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Resilience.

Examples of Intellectual Character:  Curiosity, Carefulness, Open-Mindedness, Critical Thinking, and Humility.

Examples of Civic Character:  Fairness, Respect, Compassion, and Contributing to the common good. (Character.org, 2023)