REAL LOVE offers strategies that are rooted in the theory and practices of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. Through this book, Alexes Terry challenges educators to reconsider outdated and oppressive educational practices and pushes them to cultivate and sustain learning environments, education experiences, and lessons that are equitable, engaging, and enlightening, and will meet the social, emotional, cultural, and academic needs of all students–especially those who have given up on the education system, and life, because they see no other way out.

REAL LOVE is not a mere acronym to Alexes Terry. Instead, it is her call to action for all educators to engage in a new way of teaching and learning in our schools and classrooms. She believes that only a radical transformation of our educational practices will bring us closer to eliminating the “educational deficits” that impact many students, and allow us to create opportunities for greater success among students in urban schools and other communities. REAL LOVE encourages all levels of the education community to embrace, understand, and encourage their students through loving and personal interactions in the classroom.