Why We Teach: Learning, Laughter, Love, and the Power to Transform Lives

This is an exceptional resource for use in any staff development or teacher education program. It is an outstanding book for either new or veteran educators. It renewed my passion for teaching and refreshed my reasons for being in the educational arena for 35+ years. Thank you, Linda Alston!

Inspiring reflections on teaching. Linda Alston describes through real examples a teaching model that values the whole child, and learning experiences that allow the children to construct meaning as it relates to their personal worlds. She provides valuable insight, and challenges us as teachers to reflect on our own classrooms and teaching. Beginning teachers can be inspired by Alston's practices and the classroom she describes, and veteran teachers can be motivated to further improve and build on their own practices. From the class's "Today Show" to the plants and things of beauty Alston provides in her classroom, to the creative learning experiences and community projects in which she engages her young students, I think this is a valuable read for teachers of all levels. I plan to pass this book on to my colleagues -we can all use some encouragement and inspiration at times!