Why We Teach

Book Overview

Why teach? Listen to the voices of both veteran and new teachers as they share their most heartfelt and thoughtful replies to this simple but important question. Sonia Nieto, a distinguished teacher in her own right, has gathered the insights and inspirations of K-12 classroom teachers as they examine how and why they find purpose and value in the work they do.

The teachers in this book, like so many across the country, do the kind of work that may not grab headlines but is far more important than even the highest test score: These teachers listen closely to their students. They share in their students' struggles and successes. They create a classroom climate that encourages growth, direction, and purpose. They help students develop into thoughtful, engaged citizens. The teachers in this book show us the kinds of learning that really matter, and the kinds of lessons that students can take with them for their entire lives.

This inspirational book focuses on the quintessential values of teaching, challenges current notions that focus on only accountability, testing, and standardization, and provide a compelling message of hope for public education.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807745936
• ISBN13: 9780807745939
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: Teachers College Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Inspiring Readng

As a preservice teacher who is also starting a new career after 20 years in business, I must say this book confirmed for me that my career change was the best decision I've ever made. My student teaching experiences have been wonderful, yet at the same time I continually question if I can really teach the students. I know I can develop a rapport with them, but although that is essential because you have to reach them to teach them, I still question the ability to actually teach. This book was inspiring to me. It gives wonderful personal accounts from 21 real life teachers with numerous backgrounds and stories. I would find it difficult to believe that any teacher or teacher candidate could read this book without finding many things in common with many of these wonderful educators. I think it is a great read for both new and seasoned teachers. For new and preservice teachers it offers hope, optimism and encouragement. For veteran teachers who may be weary from time in the trenches of our countries broken educational system, it will provide a reminder of all of the reasons you entered this profession in the first place, it will renew your spirit and your passion.

Excellent book

I enjoyed this book a great deal. The twenty or so essays from current teachers about why they continue teaching helped me conclude that my mid-life career change did indeed have a solid foundation. My only criticism is that the book was heavily influenced by teachers from Massachusetts and the Northeast. A bit more geographic diversity and less influence from the laws of one state would have made it more interesting for those of us from other places (West Coast in my case).

We Can Only Hope These Writings Represent the Average

The craft and art of teaching seems more of a calling than a profession. By most standards of the business world it wouldn't make sense to be a teacher. The hours are long, the pay is relatively low. The respect and esteem that used to flow to teachers automatically is not seen quite so often. The bureaucracy seems overwhelming as more and more record keeping and reports are demanded. This book, conceived of and put together by Ms. Nieto asks the simple question in the title of the book to twenty-one teachers around the country. We parents can only hope that the views expressed by these teachers are representative of the majority of teachers that have our children under their care. And for the most part, the few teachers I know on a social basic, they are. The nice thing about this book is that the teachers have found ways to express their thoughts and feelings so nicely. It's a book you might want to present to your teacher friend on Christmas.

good book for educators of all kinds

I enjoyed reading stories written by teachers about the joys and challenges of teaching. It was inspiring to learn how thoughtfully teachers prepare lessons, relate to students, and refine their educational skills. I recommend the book to all who are interested in education.