Teaching Courage (Walking the Teacher's Soul)

Author: (American) Palmer, Parker, translated by Wu Guozhen et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: This book is suitable for teachers who have experienced both joy and pain, and whose suffering stems solely from what they love—loving their students, loving learning, and loving the teaching profession. —Parker Palmer (author of this book)
The Teaching Courage inspires readers with its call for teaching, as well as the joys and sorrows of teaching. It is passionate, resonant, and deeply moving. It is a must-read for teachers at any level. —Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are and co-author of Daily Blessings
Regarding teaching and learning, Parker Palmer has benefited me more than anyone else. Teaching Courage is suitable for everyone—leaders, public servants, counselors, and teachers. It persistently and profoundly helps us recognize that our ability to do good work comes from our understanding of “who we are.” —Whitney, author of Leadership and the New Science and co-author of Simpler Rules
This book vividly, emotionally, and convincingly inspires teachers to genuinely pursue their educational calling. —Coles
Teachers choose their profession for the freedom of the soul, but teaching demands often cause many teachers to lose their souls. Can we once again summon the courage to teach, like excellent teachers—dedicating our souls to our students? This book is built on a common belief: excellent teaching cannot be reduced to mere technique; excellent teaching comes from the teacher’s self-identity and self-cultivation.
In Teaching Courage, Parker Palmer takes teachers on a spiritual journey to reignite their passion for the difficultly important work of education. It is an exhilarating, profound, and soul-searching exploration of the essence of teaching. People choose the profession of teaching for emotional reasons, deeply loving their students and their subjects. But the demands of teaching often leave many teachers feeling drained and disengaged. Can we, like some excellent teachers, dedicate our love to our students, teach with heart, and infuse our teaching with fresh vitality?
In this book, Palmer guides teachers on a spiritual journey—a journey that reconnects teaching and students, reigniting teachers’ passion for this exceptionally challenging and vital work.
This book is based on a simple premise: good teaching is not about technical proficiency; truly good teaching comes from the teacher’s integrity and honesty.
Although expressed differently, excellent teachers share one characteristic: they are completely immersed in the classroom, engaging in deep conversations with their students. They weave a complex web that connects students, curriculum, and themselves. Only in this way can students learn to weave their own worlds. This web, along with the connections it contains, transcends techniques and methods; it exists within the teacher’s inner being. The teacher’s inner being encompasses knowledge, emotion, spirit, and will.
Palmer guides teachers on a spiritual journey, helping us build a shared understanding of teaching. He also calls on educational institutions to support teachers in this regard.
Education is the process of leading children on a spiritual journey. Through this process, children learn to see the world more authentically and navigate it. Without such encouragement and guidance to explore the inner world, how can our education and schools fulfill their tasks and missions?
Palmer’s books always move and touch the reader. It is a groundbreaking exploration of the teaching profession. Teachers, those related to teaching, and anyone concerned with education should read this book.