ENCINITAS, Calif., May 12, 2026 — Nationally recognized educator Stuart Grauer, Ed.D., Fulbright Fellow and founder of the Small Schools Coalition, is announcing his new book, The Way to Pancho’s Kitchen: A Trail Guide for Small School Leaders. Published by The Worthy Educator Press and available now, this is Grauer’s third book. Drawing on true stories from the Grand Canyon to Baja to school communities across the country, the book is described as an essential “trail guide” for the next generation of educational visionaries, exploring the art and soul of leading small schools.

“Seven years in the making, this book grew out of an epic journey of reflection, writing and conversation with educators around the world,” said Grauer. “Through vivid stories, from Baja and the Grand Canyon to forests, classrooms and communities closer to home, the book explores what becomes possible when schools are built as human-scale communities rooted in curiosity, connection and the wisdom of the natural world.” Early readers have hailed the book as “elegant,” “poignant” and “captivating.”

Grauer’s expertise in education leadership is recognized nationally and globally. A Fulbright Educational Administration Fellow (2007), he is the founder of the Small Schools Coalition, which serves as an influential educational model for hundreds of independent schools across the United States and around the world. His ASCD SmartBriefs have ranked among the most widely read of the year nationwide. He is a regular Chairman of School Evaluation Committees for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has taught at both U.S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, specializing in international education and teacher development. Before founding The Grauer School in 1991, he served as principal of the International School of Basel in Switzerland and as founding assistant director of Fairbanks Country Day. He was awarded the Arthur E. Hughes Career Achievement Award for 2014 (the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences’ highest alumni honor) and was named Peacemaker of the Year by Rotary International.

The Way to Pancho’s Kitchen: A Trail Guide for Small School Leaders

Publisher: The Worthy Educator Press

Release Date: March 9, 2026

ISBN-13: 979-8234005632 Available from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GS4PJVXN and IngramSpark

###