All Children Smile in the Same Language

<p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>As I write this in 2022 we enter year three of a global pandemic. The pandemic's impact on education is already emerging and I suspect will be future research paper fodder. One impact is teacher fallout from the profession. Teachers are leaving in record numbers from retirement early retirement and even mid-career professionals are abandoning teaching.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>So how do we attract vibrant creative and intelligent individuals to this important profession? How do we retain outstanding teachers who are considering leaving the profession?</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Instead of ascribing to scripted curriculums for teachers or devising testing strategies to hold teachers accountable we should focus on strategies to invigorate novice teachers. How can they use their pedagogical skills to create engaging curricula? Teachers become artists when developing story lines for their curriculum that fosters student passions for learning. This approach engages both the student and the teacher to keep everyone intellectually engaged in their profession.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>The core struggle between why I want to teach and the parameters inflicted on teachers often leads to many exiting the profession within five years. This book examines why I entered this profession and what sustained me through four decades.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>At first glance these essays may appear an unkempt time travel journey flowing between two careers-a high school teacher and a university professor-or too specific to offer pragmatic advice. However I argue that four essential traits: passion flexibility building community and developing intellectual engagement are needed in the practice of teaching. They are the rudder that guides teachers through the uncharted waters and will ultimately sustain their fire for making a difference in children's lives.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>The format I offer are personal essays and reflections built around these four cornerstones of good teaching. Each cornerstone contains several essays that relate to that theme. While there are many books written about educational pedagogy as well as methodology this collection is about why individuals go into teaching and what sustains their passion to continue.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>My intended audience includes preservice teachers beginning teachers experienced teacher-leaders who coach new teachers and all those interested in how education happens. Let's roll up our sleeves and get started.</span></p>