In creating Project Re-ED, Nicholas Hobbs (1913-1983) embarked on a bold new approach to emotionally troubled children and youth. Re-ED, an acronym for the Re-education of Emotionally Disturbed Children, builds on positive concepts of normalcy and health rather than deviance and illness. Hobbs had been impressed by the "educateur" of Europe and Canada, an approach that blended elements of education, child care, and treatment into the profession of "teacher counselor." These professionals are trained to build competence and restorative relationships in schools and residential settings, and they work in close liaison with families and communities. This article describes the unique philosophy and methods of Re-ED as developed by Hobbs which offer a fresh and positive vision that transforms approaches to troubled youngsters. Hobbs called for "throwing away the templates" of deficit and deviance to create environments in which all children can thrive.