By: Maria Williams

The education system has been under intense scrutiny for quite some time now. To this Justin Louis-Jean offers a fresh perspective and voices for change. His book – Academic Revolution– a culmination of personal experiences, extensive research, and insights from others, delves deep into the systemic issues plaguing education today.  Co-authored with Pierce Mortensen, this seven-chapter roadmap not only highlights the problems but also provides actionable solutions.

Justin’s journey as a writer began with poetry and short stories, evolving into a passion that eventually led him to author a book on a subject close to his heart: education. His inspiration came from a revelatory video that encapsulated many of the frustrations he and others had experienced within the school system. “I always had a passion for writing and psychology,” he says. “But seeing so many people express dissatisfaction with the school system, I realized I had to respond. Instead of just watching and reacting to videos, I decided to write a book.” 

The book is structured into seven chapters, each tackling a distinct problem within the education system, followed by a comprehensive solutions section. The first two chapters lay a robust foundation through in-depth research and case studies. These chapters, according to Justin and Pierce, are the substantial, aiming to hook readers with their detailed analysis and compelling narratives. The subsequent chapters maintain the momentum but are lighter, more opinionated, yet equally significant. 

One of the book’s key messages is encapsulated in Justin’s quote, “School is a part of life, not the other way around.” He emphasizes the need for a more flexible approach to learning, acknowledging that education should adapt to the diverse ways individuals absorb information. This theme resonates throughout the book, particularly in chapter five dedicated to the nine types of intelligences, highlighting the varied ways people learn.

The issues Justin and Pierce identify are not solely based on their own experiences. Conversations with peers and further research reinforced the patterns of systemic flaws. The book is a response to these collective experiences, offering insights and practical solutions. Each chapter concludes with potential solutions, culminating in a grand solution that ties all the issues together.

Targeted at students, parents, and teachers, Justin and Pierce’s book aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue on how to improve the education system. “It really depends on the type of teacher,” Justin says, reflecting on his own school years disrupted by the pandemic. He recounts how different teachers adapted – or failed to adapt – to online learning, underscoring the importance of flexible teaching methods.

Adding to its credibility, the book has won international acclaim, securing awards at the International Book Awards in both 2023 and 2024 and featuring in two distinguished magazines. “It’s a significant achievement,” says Justin. “My partner Pierce Mortensen and I were the only independent publishers to receive this recognition at the Book Awards.”

Justin’s ultimate goal is to influence change at all levels. He envisions students understanding their learning needs, parents advocating for their children, and educators and administrators embracing more adaptable teaching methods. By engaging these groups, he hopes to foster an environment where education evolves to meet the needs of all learners. “This is an analytical book of the Canadian school system and the psychology behind education,” states Pierce. 

Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats on Amazon, Justin and Pierce’s book has already garnered recognition; he is currently working on an audiobook version to further adapt to the diverse ways people consume information. The duo also use Justin’s podcast, Just INwords, to further discuss the topics in the book, every September for a duration of four weeks. 

Justin and Pierce’s thoughtful analysis and practical solutions provide a roadmap for a more inclusive and effective education system, making it a must-read for anyone invested in the future of learning.

Published by: Khy Talara