Teaching Courage - Walking the Teacher's Heart

Author: Parker J. Palmer (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: July 1, 2005
Features: This book is suitable for teachers who have experienced both joy and sorrow, and whose suffering stems solely from what they love—loving their students, loving learning, and loving the teaching profession. —Parker J. Palmer (Author of this book) Teaching with the Heart powerfully expresses the call to teaching, as well as the joys and pains it brings. Passionate and deeply resonant, it is a must-read for teachers at any level. —Rabbi Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are and co-author of Daily Blessings
About teaching and learning, Parker J. Palmer has benefited me more than anyone else. Teaching with the Heart 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." —Fritjof Capra, author of The Leadership and the New Science and co-author of The Tao of Physics
This book vividly, emotionally, and convincingly inspires teachers to genuinely commit to the work of education. —Coles
Teachers choose their profession for the freedom of the soul, but the demands of teaching often leave many teachers feeling spiritually lost. Can we once again find the courage to teach, like excellent teachers—dedicating our souls to our students? This book is built on a simple belief: great teaching cannot be reduced to mere technique; great teaching comes from the teacher's own identity and integrity.
In Teaching with the Heart, Parker J. Palmer takes teachers on a soul-searching journey to reignite their passion for the difficult but vital work of education. It is an exhilarating, profound, and spiritual exploration of the essence of teaching. People choose the profession of teaching for emotional reasons—they deeply love their students and their subjects. But the demands of teaching often leave many teachers feeling drained and disengaged. Can we, like some great teachers, give our love to the children, teach with our hearts, and infuse our teaching with fresh vitality?
In this book, Palmer guides teachers on a soul-searching journey—a journey that reconnects the profession of teaching with the lives of students, reigniting teachers' passion for this demanding yet vital work.
This book is built on a simple premise: good teaching is not about technical proficiency; truly great teaching comes from the teacher's integrity and honesty. Despite differences in expression, excellent teachers share one characteristic: they are completely present 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 and the connections it holds transcend technique and method; they exist within the teacher's inner life. The teacher's inner life 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 soul-searching journey. Through this journey, children learn to see the world and navigate it in more authentic ways. Without such encouragement and guidance to explore the inner world, how can our education and schools fulfill their mission?
Palmer's books always move and inspire. This is a groundbreaking exploration of the teacher's life. Teachers, those connected to teaching, and anyone concerned with education should read this book.