Why We Teach

by Nieto, Sonia

• ISBN13: 9780807745939
• ISBN10: 0807745936
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-06-28
• Publisher: Teachers College Pr

Summary

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#x13;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.

Author Biography

Sonia Nieto is Professor of Language, Literacy, and Culture at the School of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Part I INTRODUCTION	1	(12)
Public Schools and the Work of Teachers	3	(10)
Part II TAKING THE LONG WAY	13	(46)
The Accidental Teacher	15	(8)
Jennifer Welbom
I'm Not Sure I Want to Be a ``Teacher''	23	(8)
Judith Kauffman Baker
Who Invited That Guy?	31	(10)
Bob Amses
On Re-Becoming a Teacher	41	(8)
Laila M. Di Silvio
Waiting Tables and Juggling Motherhood: Taking the Road Less Traveled	49	(10)
Patty Bode
Part III TO MAKE SENSE OF THE WORLD	59	(56)
Looking Back in Wonder	61	(10)
Sandra Jenoure
Teaching to Affirm	71	(10)
Stephen Gordon
Teaching Through Light and Darkness	81	(6)
Katina Papson
Teaching as a Spiritual Journey	87	(10)
Ambrizeth Lima
Being on a Moving Train	97	(8)
Ayla Gavins
Teaching Outside the Lines	105	(10)
Elaine Stinson
Part IV TO HELP STUDENTS NAME AND CLAIM THE WORLD	115	(52)
Teaching for Empowerment, Love, and Mentorship	117	(10)
Kristen B. French
The Colors and Strands of Teaching	127	(7)
Melinda Pellerin-Duck
Opening Their Eyes to a New and Bigger World	134	(8)
Yahaira D. Marquez
Teaching to Engage	142	(8)
Beth Wohlleb Adel
Teaching Means Taking Risks	150	(6)
Nina Tepper
Always Another Beginning	156	(11)
Seth Peterson
Part V TO BECOME MORE FULLY HUMAN	167	(34)
Saving the World One Child at a Time	169	(9)
Mary Ginley
Confessions of an Underperforming Teacher	178	(5)
Bill Dunn
Becoming a Life-Toucher	183	(6)
Kerri Warfield
``...We Shall Have to Begin with the Children''	189	(12)
Mary Cowhey
Part VI CONCLUSION	201	(20)
Qualities of Caring and Committed Teachers	203	(18)
Notes	221	(8)
References	229	(4)
About the Editor and the Contributors	233	(6)
Index	239