Attachments

The year is 1956. As the tires on the family's ancient GMC pickup bang out a rhythm on the dirt road to his northeast Missouri farm fifteen-year-old John Henderson surprises his father by telling him he wants to be a teacher-a decision that eventually leads him from a small farming community in Missouri to Arizona where he begins his life's calling. Through an engaging format of attachments and emails Henderson traces the evolution of his thirty-eight-year teaching career from its beginnings at Arizona State University as a graduate teaching assistant. Henderson chronicles his journey from an elite private boarding school in Scottsdale Arizona to a small religious-based college-and concludes with his thirty-four year stint with the Maricopa Community College District in Phoenix. By observing the joys turmoil agonies and even the mundane day-to-day moments of a teacher Henderson offers a personal yet practical sociological exploration of classroom culture that provides both contemporary students and novice educators with a real-life glimpse into the challenging and rewarding world of classroom teaching. ... Essential reading for prospective teachers. -Eugene Munger author of <i>Momma Don't Ya Want Me to Learn Nothin'?</i>