This collection is a moving tribute to Nel Noddings, a fascinating and influential scholar who has contributed greatly to numerous fields, including education, feminism, ethics, and the study of social justice and equity. Dear Nel: Opening the Circles of Care presents contributions from renowned teachers, educators, and activists, such as David Berliner, Jim Garrison, Madeline Grumet, Denis Phillips, William H. Schubert, Barbara Thayer-Bacon, Cristina Igoa, Eva Feder Kittay, Riane Eisler, and Sara Ruddick. Each provides a personal tribute to Noddings, highlighting stories of her lived experience and drawing on her writing and teaching. This unique volume includes an interview with Noddings by Lynda Stone that provides historical context for Noddings’ work and that imagines possible future spaces for her legacy.


Featuring a personal and engaging format, Dear Nel offers insights, commentary, and reflections on the extraordinary life work of a major scholar. And, most importantly, it will serve to expand the circles of care that is Nel’s work.