Reviving the Soul of Teaching
Balancing Metrics and Magic
- Terrence E. Deal - University of Southern California, Rossier School
- Peggy Deal Redman - University of La Verne, USA
Foreword by Leonard O. Pellicer
"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!
"A most welcome dose of good sense. The authors offer an energizing call to arms for the teaching profession and a most provocative, inspired, and inspiring antidote to No Child Left Behind. In this 'open letter' to the profession, beleaguered teachers will find comfort, affirmation, and heart."
"Through inspirational stories that made me laugh and cry, as well as reports of successful organizations that made me think, this engaging and enlightening book charts a course for restoring passion, vigor, and hope to the calling of teaching. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about schools, teachers, and children."
"Deal and Redman tackle the restoration of a really sound idea: confidence and belief in classroom teachers and their ability to make a difference in the lives of their students. At a time when state and federal accountability systems have stripped teaching of its inherent joy and magic, these powerful defenders of the teaching profession are determined to put it back. Here is a must-read for those who appreciate what teachers do on a daily basis. Bravo!"
"Terrence Deal, America’s strongest voice for reason in education reform, is joined by Peggy Deal Redman in calling for a return to balance in how we view teaching and learning. This eloquent book calls us back from the ledge and makes a powerful case for why education is much more than measures and metrics. A must-read."
"This book is wonderful. I sometimes feel like a general getting my troops ready for battle instead of an educator trying to inspire others. My colleagues often state that the joy has been taken out of teaching, and there are many days that I feel the same way. This book was a wake-up call for me and should be read by lawmakers at every level. Today I am celebrating the childhood in my students—something we forget to do."
"True education extends beyond mastery of skills and captures a child’s heart and soul. This book provides a common language for parent-teacher communication."