Reviving the Soul of Teaching: Balancing Metrics and Magic

"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!

Table of Contents:
Dedication Acknowledgments Foreword by Leonard O. Pellicer About the Authors Preface: A Family of Teachers Introduction: Teaching: Past and Prologue Historical Roots Current Realities Schools as Organizations Balancing Measurements and Magic Starbucks and 3M: Restoring Balance 1. Reconfirming the Soul of Teaching Soulful Wisdom Supportive Folklore and Narrative Bumbling Passion Cacophony of Theologies The Miracle of Saturn 2. Making a Difference: The Core of Teaching Sonny and the Backhoe Learning From Excuses From Porsche to Prose Students as Candles, Teachers as Mirrors Sorting Out What Really Matters 3. School Reform: A Ground-Level Perspective The Paradox of Change Teachers′ Outlook Human Touch: The Endangered Ingredient Janet Hart′s Touch Missing the Boat Parents′ Apprehension Student Qualms Recalibration NCLB 4. Being Real: The Authentic Teacher The Patchwork of Teaching Miss Juhl George Savo Yin and Yang The Inner Path The Sultan of Spunk Finding you Genuineness 5. You Gotta Believe God Is Dead God Is Alive and Well The Pygmalion Effect Belief Spawns Verve Saved From the Sharks Pale Gray to Hot Pink Hot Pink Tigers 6. Setting the Spirit Free The Legacy of Hisory The Potency of Symbols and Slogans The Inspiration of Heroes The Bonding of Rituals The Grandeur of Ceremonies The Magic of Stories 7. Speaking Up: Voices from the Trenches Tuning Out, Signing Up, or Speaking Out? Teachers Speak Their Minds Balancing Metrics and Magic 8. Charting a New Course Hidden Costs New Directions for NCLB′s Intentions Threats to Global Advantage Some New Wrinkles Simple Things Mean A LOT Reviving the Magic References Index

About the Author :
Terrence E. Deal is the Irving R. Melbo Professor at University of Southern California’s Rossier School. He is an internationally known lecturer and author who has written numerous books on leadership and organizations. In addition to those written with Lee Bolman, he is the coauthor of Corporate Cultures (with Alan Kennedy, 1982) and Shaping School Culture (with Kent Peterson, 1999). Peggy Deal Redman is director of teacher education and professor of education at the University of La Verne in La Verne, CA.

Review :
"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."