Real Talk means real results! To reach students who may see school as an obstacle rather than an opportunity, connection and trust must come first. Paul Hernandez, a former at-risk student, is now a nationally recognized, award-winning educator and trainer. His Real Talk is a practical methodology that helps education professionals build rapport with students at-promise while creating learning experiences that are relevant--and life-changing. This updated and expanded second edition of a bestseller provides an intensive, robust experience enabling teachers to create and implement connections with their teaching. You will: (1) develop an understanding of the education research and theories that underlie the Real Talk approach; (2) learn the how-to's for implementing Real Talk with any group of learners; and (3) benefit from diverse and unique case studies, applications, and lessons learned. Teaching with transparency, authenticity, creativity, and grit will lead to higher achievement, student engagement, and graduation rates and fewer discipline problems. Designed to be used by any teacher and with any curriculum, from elementary through post-secondary, Real Talk will change your teaching and develop persistent, optimistic students who feel a sense of belonging. [Foreword written by Tia Brown McNair.]