The following testimonials were written by Common Ground Teacher-Fellows in confidential evaluations at the end of the 2005 program:

“This is an amazing opportunity to work with other educated professionals. I can’t wait until next year.”

“It’s a place to discuss with intellectual equals—something a teacher doesn’t often get to do!”

“I found that other teachers provided ideas for the classroom that I can definitely use.”

“The ability to exchange ideas—in a large group setting where you are limited to one point of view. Small groups allow for so many different viewpoints.”

“Romanus Muoneke’s point of view and background were invaluable in our discussions; his wisdom, restraint, and patience were admirable; his skill in interjecting trenchant questions was masterful. He is a delight and an honor to have as a leader.”

“FABULOUS! I really enjoyed Dr. Gregory’s style of being a facilitator to our discussions instead of being a leader of discussion.”

“Dr. Gregory is just wonderful. She’s a great leader.”

“The small group format makes the discussions very comfortable. Over the 2-week time period, the group members become close enough to express opinions without fear, and we can even argue/disagree some and not be offended.”

“I like the frankness of our discussions. I enjoyed our depth of immersion.”

“The seminars were of a good size to foster a conversation with the text and each other. Excellent selection of texts to mesh with the theme.”

“We had a good mix of people in our group. Various ages. People were willing to share personal stories that enriched discussion.”

“The most beneficial factor is being able to hear from such a variety of backgrounds and experiences and relating all these variations to the literature.”

“Dr. Monroe is wonderful! He keeps the conversations moving and brings so much outside knowledge to the books that make the novels more beneficial.”

“We listened, we laughed, and we dug into text. I think we had a good combination of personalities; we respected each other, and no one was overbearing. We shared and discussed; we didn’t compete. What a delightful experience!”

“It is a powerful tool for exciting, informative and critical analysis of novels and plays that spills over into life—its relationships and realities.”

“We were well fed—intellectually, spiritually, and physically.”

“Common Ground is wonderful. Luncheon and presentations were so inspiring! Lunch—fabulous! Small groups—terrific! Common Ground is a wonderful learning and sharing experience. This is my 2nd year and it gets better every year. I so look forward to it in the summer. It is truly summer camp for teachers!”

“I am honored to be with the best and the brightest: Dr. Ted Estess, Dr. Bill Monroe, Dr. Romanus Muoneke, Dr. Elizabeth Gregory, and certainly all my fellow teachers. If I could bottle what Common Ground does and take it back (people also) to my school, we’d be really educating our youth and TAKS scores would be out of sight.”

“May Common Ground continue to flourish, grow and inspire for many years to come.”