In six years of editing the education digest Curriculum Review, author Frank Sennett learned three things about quote books for teachers: They are plentiful, popular–and incredibly repetitive. Each drains the same reservoir of great thoughts and pithy observations offered by the immortal likes of Maria Montessori, JFK, Mark Twain, and the full range of Greek philosophers. Repackage these quotations under new titles, it seems, and you’ve got another year’s worth of perfect gifts for the teachers in your life. Teacher of the Year taps into that evergreen market with a different type of gift book: one that mines a previously unexplored cache of quotations on education, all tied into a fresh, appealing hook. The book features wisdom from educators named Teacher of the Year by their school, district, state, or a national organization. Gathered together for the first time, these insights will help even the most jaded instructor reconnect with the joy of teaching. The quotes in Teacher of the Year strike a nice balance between the profound/philosophical and the lighthearted. Regardless of tome, all of the quotes ring true and will resonate with all types of teachers. The quotes are divided into subcategories for pleasant browsing. These include broad topics such as: It’s More than a Job…Teaching as a Calling; Parents as Partners; It’s All About the Kids; It’s a Matter of Principal (and School Board); When the Going Gets Tough…Overcoming Burnout; Teaching for Tomorrow, Today; Class Dismissed!? The Fallacy of Great Hours; and so on. This small-format, hardcover, original along the lines of our other quote books is a natural gift for a teacher at any level, whether for Christmas, a birthday, a promotion, graduation from a teacher training program, etc. The book should sell steadily and backlist well. A Page-a-Day calendar licensing deal would be a natural extension. Finally, as someone who spent 7 years as a classroom teacher, I can attest to the fact that I would’ve much preferred receiving this encouraging little volume instead of another “World’s Greatest Teacher” mug, wooden apple paperweight, or box of peanut brittle at the holidays!
I liked the premise of the book. As a teacher, I found it very inspiring to read the thoughts and words of fellow educators. That these educators have been recognized for their excelence at some level only makes it that much better. I did not agree with every quote, but even tha ones I disagreed with made me think. This is a book for any teacher. And the insights into the way teachers think also make it a great read for any nonteachers, as well.
Super source of educational quotes I am an elementary school administrator who purchased this book as a gift to my school’s Teacher of the Year. It is a great resource of educational quotes by Teachers of the Year from all over the United States (mostly national and state winners, but a few system winners as well). The quotes are organized by topic. Imagine my surprise to find numerous quotes from my state’s former Teachers of the Year, whom I’ve personally met. I’m sure you’ll find names that are familiar to your area. The quotes constitute a good mixture of the positive and the negative aspects of education. You’ll find humorous anecdotes, inspirational passages, and heart-rendering recollections… What I love about this book is. . . .it is not filled with words of education experts or critics, these are the words of teachers – the best of our profession! And overwhelmingly, these teachers LOVE what they do. A great read, a great gift!