Rob Garofalo, Jr. is an award-winning former teacher from Connecticut—a place where he’s known for being a facilitator not only of academic learning, but also of life learning. A past Congressional scholarship recipient and state association Teacher of the Year, he has an ability to impart ideals to young people in a way that gently guides them to see the value of these ideals for themselves.

Having inspired so many of his students to live with passion and purpose, Mr. Garofalo hopes his book, A Winner By Any Standard: 52 Character Challenges for Teens, will empower young people everywhere to realize they possess the power to shape themselves and the world.

As a dedicated educator, Mr. G has taken advantage of professional-development opportunities throughout his career. He has received federal training in the areas of esteem building and drug and alcohol intervention. On a state level, he’s become a respected mentor and has continued his education in the areas of character ed., mastery teaching, conflict resolution, childhood depression, bullying, diversity, student leadership, stress management, violence prevention, and how young people grieve. Organizations to which he belongs include Character Education Partnership, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, National Parent Teacher Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Youth Service America.

A skilled public speaker, Mr. G has presented to audiences of students, parents, and educators across several states. He also designed and taught a popular summer course in his hometown titled “It’s All About Choices.” And last, he implemented a Good Citizenship program for his school.

The authors Mr. Garofalo credits most for influencing his life pursuits—including his writing—are Stephen Covey, Scott Peck, and Sarah Ban Breathnach. Mr. G’s ultimate goal is to become as important an influence for the world’s youth as these individuals have become for adults.

Find out about community appearances by Rob Garofalo.