Product Description: This book is a collection of essays, written by teachers at every level of practice, that honors the hearts of all teachers who struggle to reconnect with the source of their vocation. These teachers have found ways to serve their students, rekindle their passion for teaching, connect in life-sustaining ways with colleagues, and work towards creating educational institutions that seek to be places that, as Parker J. Palmer writes, "bring more light and life into the world." Their warm, practical, funny, and wise stories will provide inspiration, companionship, and hope to teachers who strive to reclaim the courage to teach.
Intrator's book captures the teacher'r heart Sam Intrator has collected a diverse sampling of stories from teachers of all types. They inspire and inform and are enjoyable to read. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who teaches, from preschool to graduate school.
Honors the truth and complexity of our work I need this book every day to help me understand and meet the complex demands of my work as a high school English teacher. Sam possesses a keen insight into and commitment to the challenges we face in the contemporary classroom. What distinguishes Sam's book from others is its concern for the teacher's entire life. Our teaching comes from our heart at its best and our teaching is the story of who we are. This book tells that story, through OUR stories, in a way that makes it new and makes me proud to be a teacher. The book never whines but always entertains even as it confronts the hard truths that make up our days in the classroom. When you finish this book---which you never will, for you will reread certain stories again and again---you will understand why your work matters and will sense, even at those difficult moments, the dignity inherent in the work you do. Thank you for the book, Mr. Intrator.
Finally, a Book that lifts up teachers! FINALLY! Here is a book about what it really means to be a teacher with joy, hope, determination and courage in tough times. This book explains why people become teachers, and how the simple things they do make a world of difference in children's lives -- not just academically, but emotionally and soulfully. We need more books like this, telling not only what "needs to be done" to educate children and young adults, but how many people are already doing those things. Intrator's book is a refreshing addition to literature on teaching, a wonderful gift to anyone who loves kids, loves to learn, and loves simply to live as fully as possible.
Honor is given to the hearts of teachers What a joy! Sam Intrator's new book, "Stories of the Courage to Teach: Honoring the Teacher's Heart", indeed does what it's title claims. Our courageous, dedicated and, too often, maligned American educators are given voice to express their own inner realities...and it is most powerful. I could not put this book down. And Parker Palmer's words in the Forword and Afterword dramatically acknowledge the terrible reality of being a teacher today. Teaching is a profession that attracts people with passion and love for children, is absolutely essential to a healthy society, yet is an easy target for all that goes wrong. To be a teacher today is to choose a vocation of profound worth and profound pain.
I strongly recommend this book for all who care deeply about our children and the extraordinary teachers who, every day, give their very selves on behalf of our future. Thank you, Sam, for a masterful job of capturing our teachers' hearts!
A book by teachers but inspiring for all of us This is not Palmer's "Courage to Teach" but rather a volume written by educators who have been inspired by Palmer's writings. Filled with compelling and deeply thoughtful pieces and pulled together artfully by Sam Intrator, a nationally recognized teacher himself, this book is a valuable source of wisdom and insight for teachers and anyone who cares about sustaining the teacher's spirit and calling. Each story told resonates with different elements of the educator's journey and will provide new appreciation for the challenges and rewards of teaching, whether you are a student, parent, community member, or teacher yourself.