About Us
Steinbeck in the Schools is a program of San José State University’s Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies, the world’s leading center for the study and promotion of John Steinbeck’s life, values and works.
The Steinbeck in the Schools program has been primarily focused on developing and maintaining a website, steinbeckintheschools.com, which has been used by over 1,000,000 students and teachers from over 200 countries since its inception in 2003.
Learn about the Center’s other programs.
American author John Steinbeck (1902-68) was a great storyteller whose writing engages readers in narratives about ordinary people and their struggles. Steinbeck’s themes are timeless: the importance of friendship and family; the intimate connections between humans and their environment; the challenges of gender identity; the importance of empathy and compassion; the value of social engagement. Steinbeck appeals to young readers (Of Mice and Men is a perennial favorite) and to mature readers, to humanists as well as scientists and historians.
Our goal is to provide materials for teachers and students that demonstrate how John Steinbeck’s writing broadens understanding, sharpens appreciation of fine writing, and helps promote literacy. Steinbeck’s narratives inspire a passion for reading.
There are ongoing efforts to constantly provide new and update existing content. In our most recent work to expand the program we have redesigned the website and brand identity. This includes a new logo expressing our connection with Steinbeck’s values, literature and growth.
Throughout the works of John Steinbeck, one can find recurring themes of the environment and its relationship with humanity. Steinbeck’s connection to the places he writes about and the landscapes from his childhood contribute to the central concept of the brand and visuals.
The illustrations used throughout the site reflect both the site’s content as well as each of Steinbeck’s works covered on the site. Inspiration was drawn from the settings of Steinbeck’s works, emphasizing a sense of place and connection to the environment.
