Dr. Edward Ricardo Braithwaite, is internationally known author of bestseller “To Sir With Love,” based on the author’s experiences as a teacher in a tough section of London. The best seller book was later made into a popular movie starring Sidney Poiter and whose title song was sung by the 1960s pop star, Lulu. Today, the book is still popular with a new reprint edition along with a release of the movie on DVD.

In the CTE seminar, Braithwaite reflects on the dynamics taking place in classrooms and the important role teachers play in the wholistic development of students. His early work could be characterized as one of the first reflective memoirs on teaching to receive international attention. This early work is still considered one of the best. Although Dr. Braithwaite has published many other novels and books, “To Sir With Love,” remains to be currently cited as containing important tenets relevant to today’s youth and our educational institutions.

The seminar presentation was thought provoking and interactive as Dr. Braithwaite shared his wisdom and insights on teaching and learning based on 5 decades of classroom teaching, and lecturing about teaching and learning , worldwide. Dr. Braithwaite also eagerly sought insights from faculty participants. He also encouraged participants to read To Sir With Love as a dialogue launcher for the seminar. The book can be purchased from: http://www.amazon.com for $5.00. Books were also available in the Loudoun bookstore and available for purchase and signing at the seminar.

Dr. Braithwaite comes from a family of scholars, with his mother and father both being graduates of Oxford University in History and Engineering. Braithwaite graduated from Cambridge University, Cambridge, England with a specialization in Physics. He also received honorary doctoral degrees from Oxford University and La Sorbonne -University of Paris. He has a long international career. He served as Ambassador to the United Nations for Guyana (4 years), and Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela (3 years). In addition, Braitwaite was an educational consultant and lecturer for UNESCO in Paris for 5 years.

Dr. Braithwaite also has been on the teaching faculty and served as writer in residence at New York University and Florida State University. He is currently Writer in Residence at Howard University and teaching Honors English. In addition to being busy on his own personal and professional writings, he also publishes Faces and Voices: An Anthology of Student Literature from his honors seminars. Dr. Braitwaite also is on the Board of Trustees of the Krasnow Institute at George Mason University.