The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life [With CDROM]

by Parker J. Palmer

Book Overview

"This book is for teachers who have good days and bad -- and whose bad days bring the suffering that comes only from something one loves. It is for teachers who refuse to harden their hearts, because they love learners, learning, and the teaching life." -- Parker J. Palmer from the Introduction] For many years, Parker Palmer has worked on behalf of teachers and others who choose their vocations for reasons of the heart but may lose heart because of...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787996866
• ISBN13: 9780787996864
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A great companion to the book

The Courage to Teach Guide is a wonderful companion to the tenth anniversary edition for The Courage to Teach. The accompanying DVD is an incredible bonus... I loved hearing Parker in his own words. Whether you want to use the book with a group or just use it for your own growth and renewal, the guide offers many wonderful suggestions.

Transformative Ideas for All Teachers

Parker Palmer's wisdom is invaluable to all who teach. His ideas are both profound and revolutionary. The Courage to Teach leads us on an exploration of the paradoxes inherent in our living and our teaching. We are encouraged to "cultivate the capacity for connectedness on which all good teaching depends." Parker's words inspire us to live and teach authentically, and invite our students to do the same. This book is a must read for all who struggle to teach in a way that opens students' hearts, as well as their minds.

A Book For Our Time

In his book,The Courage To Teach, Parker Palmer refers to the power of great mentors to "awaken a truth within us." By his own definition, he has mentored thousands of teachers over the past decade, guiding them toward their own truth, integrity and the courage needed to hang in there during this turbulent time for the teaching profession. This book is a must for everyone who recognizes, that there has never been a time when it took more courage to teach! Georgia Weithe, Educational Consultant

So, Why Do You Teach?

In many ways, it is itself an act of courage to read this book. Mr. Palmer has taken the rare, difficult task of probing to the heart of the learning experience and seeks to reveal its essence for any teacher willing to explore with him. In this task--like a good teacher--he asks more questions than he answers and he is concerned in discovering the process and the means of learning and teaching.For me, what lingers after finishing the short book are two key concepts his identifies: identity and integrity. For each individual teacher, the need to have some balanced perspective of self-identity becomes paramount. Do I teach to peddle my agenda? Do I teach in order to be the 'big fish in a little pond'? Do I teach because I like the stage? Or, Do I teach in order to fulfill an inner yearning, even sadness?. Next, the balance of integrity must center a good teacher. Do I seek fairness among my students? Do I build good habits of discipline? Do I live justly? Eschew competition? Seek first of all to teach meaning, itself a subject-centered approach?See? These are the kinds of questions that echo in my mind after reading The Courage To Teach. I particularly like what Mr. Palmer had to say regarding fear, teaching from fear, and hiding among our fears while facing them. Beauty lies in the paradox. Now, I look for those critical moments in teaching for what they are. I strive to find my identity in my students' faces; I am challenged to live with integrity in my heart AND in my mind. No student of educational reform should be without this book. One more thing: if nothing else, read this book for the research and precious quotes that Mr. Palmer uses. His endnotes are worth the price alone.