Teaching+Hope

Gruwell, Erin. //Teaching Hope: Stories from the Freedom Writer Teachers and Erin Gruwell.// New York: Broadway, 2009. Print. //“Teaching Hope”// is the follow up to Erin Gruwell’s original work: “//The// //Freedom Writer’s Diary//.” Where the first book was written by students and displayed their work via journal entries, this second book is written by 150 teachers chosen by Erin Gruwell to make up the Freedom Writer Teachers and gives a first-hand look into the minds and hearts of those men and women who give their blood, sweat, and tears to instill hope and value into the hearts and minds of their students every single day – morning, noon, and night. The book follows the cycle of a typical school year and exposes the fears, doubts and insecurities of the Freedom Writer Teachers while also highlighting their personal revelations and successes in the classroom. The anticipation of a new school year, the challenges the students and teachers encounter along the way, the engagement of students through interactive games, journaling, and inciting classroom discussion, the disillusionment of teaching in the high-stakes testing environment, the rejuvenation of seeing students ‘get-it’, and the empowerment in knowing that every teacher makes a difference. Anticipation, challenges, engagement, disillusionment, rejuvenation, empowerment - these are the stories that make up “//Teaching Hope”// and these are the stories that speak openly and honestly about the tragedy, triumph, hope, and heartbreak that teachers face in the classroom each and every day. Their stories are varied and their experiences unique but what stands true for each of them is their desire to encourage, support, and do whatever it takes to see their students not only survive but to succeed. Not all stories have a happy ending but they all speak poignantly about what it means to be a teacher – the ups and downs, heartbreaks and victories. Where the “//Freedom Writer’s Diary//” has inspired students throughout the world, “//Teaching Hope//” has the same effect on teachers as they gain greater understanding of what teaching is all about. From rural small town to big city urban settings, kids with behavioral problems to kids with learning disabilities, this book highlights the true about teaching…..it truly is all about hope. There are two ways I interpret the meaning of the title of this book. First, teaching hope in a sense that we as teachers are called to instill hope in our students, encouraging them and inspiring them in their academic and personal lives. Secondly, teaching hope in a way that speaks directly to teachers and instills hope in them that no matter the circumstances and hardships that come their way, they are always making a difference whether big or small, obvious or invisible. In this way the book is incredibly useful to all teachers, in every realm of teaching, from the first year teacher to the seasoned teacher, this book has something for everyone and is a great reminder of why we do what we do. “//Teaching Hope//” is a great book for the classroom both academically and relationally. Academically, this book is a great source for ideas in classroom activities and games, creating an environment for class discussion and the power of writing. Journals are a huge tool utilized in story after story to draw students in and bring understanding and openness into the classroom. Relationally, this book testifies to the hardships and victories that come from going beyond academics and really getting involved in the lives of students as they live through tragedy and heartache and hopefully, eventually, triumph. The teachers who shared their stories are not Superheroes or Teachers-of-the-Year, but they are teachers who deeply care about their students and desire to see them succeed and prosper both inside and outside the classroom. Some were met with success and some with failure, but none of them gave up and with determination continued to pour out on the students who graced their classrooms. No matter what year, grade or environment you’re teaching in, this book is one that should grace every teacher’s shelf and be referred to often. It is true to its title and a great resource for teaching hope to the next generation of students everywhere and encouraging all teachers that they ARE indeed making a difference. Pg. 28 “I realized that these kids couldn’t care less about verbs or parts of speech. They needed someone who would listen, have patience, and show them that she truly cared about them as individuals. They needed someone to teach. I don’t know if I can do this job, but I know one thing: I am going to try my hardest.” Pg. 88 “As teachers, we have to know each one of our students, so that we can reach them in order to teach them. I encourage us to be that teacher who cares for those who are labeled “lost” and for the students called “unteachable,” because the only thing that kids really need is love.” Pg. 108 “Their spirits have sustained me during times of sadness. Their courage has helped me stand during times of fear when I would have much rather slipped into the shadows. They have helped keep my life in perspective, keeping gratitude and grace my goal.”
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