Those who can, do; those who think and care, teach...sometimes.
584579
I enjoyed Edmundson's Why Read, so I picked this up. That it pertained directly to my profession was also important, but I was a bit disappointed in the collection of platitudes and cliches that much of this book contains. Then, again, it is a great challenge to discuss this topic without falling back onto platitudes and cliches, and Edmundson occasionally comes up with some good points about teaching and why one enters this career. Much of the problem seems to be that society, in general, does not have a high regard for teachers (professors are in another category, which can be better or worse!). Financially, as well as socially, teachers tend to be regarded as lazy (they leave work at 3pm and don't work in the summer!), know-it-alls (how many teachers ever land on juries? Lawyers don't like 'em), and general gadflies. That's okay, some of us are, but it doesn't explain why some teachers endure years of over-work (yes, over-work), and over-supervision: this is what Edmundson tries to do. I am not so sure he succeeds as well as he would like, but, read it; next time you see a teacher with a rather hapless expression on his face, maybe you'll understand just a bit better.
4089938
The world teacher is here working with the Masters of Wisdom to guide us through these difficult times. This is important knowlege for this time. Even though there is quite a lot of repetition the question and answer format covers most of the the questions I wanted to ask. I feel hopeful and invigorated to keep on keeping on.
3148174
I would recommend this book to any one that is interested in teaching and helping their student become successful. The book does cover the good, bad, and ugly in the Dallas School District. There are some interesting stories and some parts that are fun to read. Details of the book will benefit parents of special education students and regular education students as well. To comply with federal laws, there are lots of money and teachers time in which it takes away from students. The author apparently loved his students to help them and their families. In the writers teaching career, it has helped him learn from different experiences in interacting with students, families, and other teachers. Interesting that he was forced to retire at the age of 68.
2765483
Teachers and administrators need to add this inspiring and thought provoking book to their summer (or winter) reading lists.  Mr. Alper weaves a fascinating tale of a year in his life teaching in an inner city school.  Though the challenges are great, with heroic work, a sense of humor and ultimately the compassion and love for the kids, he earns that title of teacher.
2401855
They do what they say they'll do, and easily, with patience.
4645403
Very perceptive about those who have brains that experience the world differently.
2373754
This book has the potential to revolutionize teaching by conserving the best advice for teachers and parents who feel the need for guidance that does not recommend despair or surrender to whim or impulsive action but provides daily strategies and methods that embody high principles with the utmost respect for students and those who work with them in building not just a basis for learning but a basis for the best in cultured, civil, courteous behavior. One example: when confronting a mess of papers, pencils, or wrappers on the floor or elsewhere, one doesn't say, "What a slob hath wrought! Or something similar. One says instead: "This mess needs to be cleaned up." Possibly with an offer to help. A book of tactics and strategy for tactful approaches to the need for the discipline that is so essential for all kinds of learning along with the mutual respect that is also necessary between and among those engaged in learning and in producing an environment where learning can take place.
1937044
While the people listed here might not be who some would consider "HERO's", Brad Melzer brings out everyday things that a person can do that can make them into a better person. Sure, they may not be the fire fighter who rushed into a burning building to save some poor boys cat. But these people did have to stand up against odds, fight for what they believe in, think of more then themselves. These people are EVERYDAY hero's. The people that teach out children that while you may not agree with them (Obama for many people) You have to admire how they stuck it out and were able to achieve goals others would have given up on.

So I guess what this book really teaches is to stand up for what you believe in and don't give up on your dreams no matter what others say or think. You are who you are and be proud of that.
1080479
John Medley's carer is a great case study for persevering to accomplish.  His book is a wonderful teaching vehicle.  Well done.
1506529
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, learning some history, learning about the area, and learning of the people that stood strong in their beliefs...and managed to enable change.  And sometimes the women are just as strong in their beliefs and also enable change for the good of all.
1946134
Mary Kennedy does a great job of really digging into the complexities of teaching.
Many people think that they are experts on education or teaching just because the sat in a classroom for 12+ years.
The reality is that classrooms and instruction are complicated, and the work of teachers is far from simple.
524363
Noting but having different things obout somebody that cannot do it anymore and I think this is a nice example.
2239863
A resource for educators; not to be used to diagnose students, but to guide teachers in steps to assist their learners.
4429471
The author does a phenomenal job staying "in the shoes" of a child who has difficulty navigating in our society.  Caitlin grows and learns because she has support at school. Teaching isn't about the curriculum, it's about relationships. These relationships bring "Closure" to Caitlin, her dad, and many others in a grieving community.  This is a book I will think of again and again long after I finished the last page. I am blessed to be a teacher and have relationships with young people.
4864938
This book provides real insight on teaching and learning--anyone who helps people learn, whether in a school, a business, or a family, would be wise to read it. It reads briskly but gives real insight. The author has taught all over the world--in the US, in China, in Brazil, and in Spain--and brings from her experience real lessons in what it means to give skills to another. At a time when there is a national debate about how to reward teachers and whether some are doing an inadequate job, we haven't actually taken the steps to figure out exactly what it is that makes a good teacher good. Moreover, we have been operating under the assumption that some people are just good at teaching naturally, and others are not. Hendricks's book itself is a good teacher, showing readers what it means to open the mind of another, and how to tell if you're reaching someone.

I think the book is excellent -- teachers will love it, but CEOs, foreman, fathers, and managers should all be reading it too.

R.M. Schedlinski
Brooklyn
1499302
Finally someone connects the dots between a developmental mindset and culturally relevant pedagogy.  Can't do one without the other.  Brain research alone won't get it done unless teaching practice reflects skilled and culturally relevant teaching  together these scaffold the the support and access to content that low income students of color need to succeed in school.
2762255
The basics are not taught well. But fortunately, this is something that could be done at home.