The Foundations of Character

CharacterPlus

Today we are truly humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to share insights from Dr. Marvin Berkowitz and Kristen Pelster as they discuss the “Why” behind character education and practical steps you can take within your character leadership journey personally and professionally!

In 1999 Dr. Marvin Berkowitz was the inaugural Ambassador H.H. Coors Professor of Character Development at the US Air Force Academy. He served as Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Ethics Studies at Marquette University. He was also founder and Associate Director of the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He earned his BA degree from the State University of NY at Buffalo in 1972. He earned his Ph.D. in Life-span Developmental Psychology at Wayne State University in 1977. He served as a Research Associate at the Center for Moral Development and Education at Harvard University 1977-79.

He has also served as a Visiting Professor at the Max-Planck-Institute for Human Development and Education in Berlin (1987-8), as a Visiting Scholar for the Gordon Cook Foundation in Scotland (1995), and as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham, England (2019-2021).

He is joined by Kristen Pelster. She’s spent over two decades as an educator then administrator. She’s a National School of Character recipient and a St. Louis Region Middle School Principal of the Year. For nearly a decade Kristen served as the district leader for character education. Not satisfied with her school becoming a National School of Character her work throughout Fox C-6 was recognized as a National District of Character. That incredible journey took Kristen before the Senate in Washington, D.C testifying on the positive impact “social, emotional and character development.” Kristin is currently studying for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL). Her educational achievements at UMSL also include an Ed.S. in Education Administration; M.A. in Education Administration and she is a graduate of the Leadership Academy in Character Education. Kristen received a B.A. in Music Education from Missouri Baptist University.

This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

www.characterplus.org
www.characterandcitizenship.org
Guests:
Dr. Marvin Berkowitz
Kristen Pelster
Host & CEO of Character Plus: Mike Park
Credits:
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander
Audio Engineer: Jacob Bowling