Full Description
'This book is wonderful. My colleagues often state that the joy has been taken out of teaching. This book is a wake-up call that should be read by lawmakers at every level. Today I am celebrating the childhood of my students-something that we forget to do.' - Christine Zajac, Principal Lt. Clayre Sullivan School, Holyoke, MAThere is more to education than teacher-proof curricula and scores on high-stakes tests!Educators know that genuine teaching involves caring, compassion, and building character-principles that can sometimes take a back seat to short-term goals of standardized performance. This inspirational volume for practicing teachers, student teachers, and school leaders champions the heart and soul of teaching and emphasizes how teachers can influence, inspire, and touch the lives of learners. The book explores the central themes of teaching practice and offers perspectives on:- Teaching as an art that promotes creativity, character, and imagination in students - Balancing testing and accountability with the art and passion of teaching - Authentic being and authentic teaching - Reform from the ground level, where educators are making a difference in the lives of their students - New directions for accountability mandates A motivating and empowering guide, this book reminds educators why they went into teaching in the first place!
Contents
DedicationAcknowledgmentsForeword by Leonard O. PellicerAbout the AuthorsPreface: A Family of TeachersIntroduction: Teaching: Past and PrologueHistorical RootsCurrent RealitiesSchools as OrganizationsBalancing Measurements and MagicStarbucks and 3M: Restoring Balance1. Reconfirming the Soul of TeachingSoulful WisdomSupportive Folklore and NarrativeBumbling PassionCacophony of TheologiesThe Miracle of Saturn2. Making a Difference: The Core of TeachingSonny and the BackhoeLearning From ExcusesFrom Porsche to ProseStudents as Candles, Teachers as MirrorsSorting Out What Really Matters3. School Reform: A Ground-Level PerspectiveThe Paradox of ChangeTeachers' OutlookHuman Touch: The Endangered IngredientJanet Hart's TouchMissing the BoatParents' ApprehensionStudent QualmsRecalibration NCLB4. Being Real: The Authentic TeacherThe Patchwork of TeachingMiss JuhlGeorge SavoYin and YangThe Inner PathThe Sultan of SpunkFinding you Genuineness5. You Gotta BelieveGod Is DeadGod Is Alive and WellThe Pygmalion EffectBelief Spawns VerveSaved From the SharksPale Gray to Hot PinkHot Pink Tigers6. Setting the Spirit FreeThe Legacy of HisoryThe Potency of Symbols and SlogansThe Inspiration of HeroesThe Bonding of RitualsThe Grandeur of CeremoniesThe Magic of Stories7. Speaking Up: Voices from the TrenchesTuning Out, Signing Up, or Speaking Out?Teachers Speak Their MindsBalancing Metrics and Magic8. Charting a New CourseHidden CostsNew Directions for NCLB's IntentionsThreats to Global AdvantageSome New WrinklesSimple Things Mean A LOTReviving the MagicReferencesIndex
