Pages: 114 Price: $14.95 ISBN: 978-0-0912099-46-0
Teachers have stories — stories about teaching and learning that keep them motivated and refreshed. They don't often share these stories, but occasionally, the situation is ripe and you will have the unique opportunity to share in a treasured recollection. The stories give credence to why a person would continue in such a demanding profession. Sometimes, the story tells of a situation where the teacher was rewarded in a way that comes from making a positive difference in a life. Sometimes, the stories are sad and regretful of opportunities missed. Kathie-Jo Arnoff has collected such stories from "Telling Stories" in the Kappa Delta Pi Record and from New Teacher Advocate. The authors of the stories are classroom teachers.
This is an inspirational book that could be a gift for a new teacher. It could be a source of case studies for a teacher preparation program if a motivated instructor would take the time to match the stories to the course curriculum. The stories lose their impact if they are read one after another without processing and applying the ideas and suggestions contained in the story. The stories need to be savored and discussed and would be a good springboard for such discussion as part of a professional learning community.
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