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, MA There 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! Terrence E. Deal is the Irving R. Melbo Professor at University of Southern California’s Rossier School. He is an internationally known lecturer and author who has written numerous books on leadership and organizations. In addition to those written with Lee Bolman, he is the coauthor of Corporate Cultures (with Alan Kennedy, 1982) and Shaping School Culture (with Kent Peterson, 1999). Dedication Acknowledgments Foreword by Leonard O. Pellicer About the Authors Preface: A Family of Teachers Introduction: Teaching: Past and Prologue Historical Roots Current Realities Schools as Organizations Balancing Measurements and Magic Starbucks and 3M: Restoring Balance 1. Reconfirming the Soul of Teaching Soulful Wisdom Supportive Folklore and Narrative Bumbling Passion Cacophony of Theologies The Miracle of Saturn 2. Making a Difference: The Core of Teaching Sonny and the Backhoe Learning From Excuses From Porsche to Prose Students as Candles, Teachers as Mirrors Sorting Out What Really Matters 3. School Reform: A Ground-Level Perspective The Paradox of Change Teachers’ Outlook Human Touch: The Endangered Ingredient Janet Hart’s Touch Missing the Boat Parents’ Apprehension Student Qualms Recalibration NCLB 4. Being Real: The Authentic Teacher The Patchwork of Teaching Miss Juhl George Savo Yin and Yang The Inner Path The Sultan of Spunk Finding you Genuineness 5. You Gotta Believe God Is Dead God Is Alive and Well The Pygmalion Effect Belief Spawns Verve Saved From the Sharks Pale Gray to Hot Pink Hot Pink Tigers 6. Setting the Spirit Free The Legacy of Hisory The Potency of Symbols and Slogans The Inspiration of Heroes The Bonding of Rituals The Grandeur of Ceremonies The Magic of Stories 7. Speaking Up: Voices from the Trenches Tuning Out, Signing Up, or Speaking Out? Teachers Speak Their Minds Balancing Metrics and Magic 8. Charting a New Course Hidden Costs New Directions for NCLB’s Intentions Threats to Global Advantage Some New Wrinkles Simple Things Mean A LOT Reviving the Magic References Index
