Description
Book SynopsisBeloved teacher, Rev. Jane E. Vennard, leads an inner exploration of the hopes and fears, joys and frustrations, gifts and limitations that influence teachers of all kinds - teachers like you - every day. Drawing on her own experience as well as stories from many teachers in conventional and unconventional settings, she inspires you to reconnect to your original desire to open minds and hearts to learning. With reflection questions, practices and activities, she helps you reinvigorate your passion for your vocation, your students and your subject, thus recognising how teaching is a sacred art. "Through stories, information and reflection, we [will look] inward, going more deeply into the discovery of who we are, not only as teachers but also as women and men for whom teaching is only a part of life. I believe the deepest calling . is the call to be who we truly are." ¯from Chapter Seven, "Teaching Who We Are"
Trade Review"Required reading for any teacher. Jane's insights … are profound, challenging and inspiring. The spiritual dimension that she brings to this inquiry is the antidote for teacher burn-out." —Gary Friedman, Center for Understanding in Conflict/Center for Mediation in Law; author, Inside Out: How Conflict Professionals Can Use Self-Reflection to Help Their Clients “Truly a book for all who teach, at any level and in any subject…. Pivotal and persuasive … the reader comes away with a clear sense that those traits and practices by which we become most authentically human allow us to become uniquely effective teachers.” —Marjorie J. Thompson, author; Soul Feast: An Invitation to Christian Spiritual Life “A masterful meditation on teaching as a sacred art. With the gentle guidance of an experienced teacher, [this book] will enrich your life and may wholly transform your perspective on education.” —E. Glenn Hinson, Emeritus Professor of Spirituality and John Loftis Professor of Church History, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond “One of the finest books I’ve read on the vocation of teaching as a journey to deeper self-knowing. Eloquent and informative.” —Diane M. Millis, PhD, author, Deepening Engagement: Essential Wisdom for Listening and Leading with Purpose, Meaning and Joy “Teaching is a tough job; Jane Vennard shows us how to make it a blessed calling as well.” —Rami Shapiro, author, The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice “An intimate exploration of the deepest contours of one’s soul. For both self-identified teachers and would-be teachers … offers a challenge to view teaching as a life-long journey of discovery.” —Arthur C. Jones, clinical professor of culture and psychology, University of Denver; author, Wade in the Water: The Wisdom of the Spirituals “Extraordinary! The exquisite weaving of insights and stories illuminates a sacred teaching in Islam: the teacher kindles the light; the oil is already in the lamp.” —Imam Jamal Rahman, author, Sacred Laughter of the Sufis: Awakening the Soul with the Mulla’s Comic Teaching Stories and Other Islamic Wisdom
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One Called to Teach: Discovering Our Vocation Listening for the Call Hearing and Living the Call Vocation in Religious Settings Call as Spiritual Journey An Authentic Call Risky Business Called to a Purposeful Life Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Two Engaging Our Students and Colleagues: Respect, Challenge, and Kindness Honoring Students' Innate Wisdom Discovering Multiple Intelligences Teaching to Multiple Intelligences Respect for the Struggle Creating a Safe and Hospitable Environment Engaging Kindly Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Three Love of Subject, Love of Learning: Communicating Excitement and Wonder The Learner Within When the Subject Is Alive Trusting the Learners' Needs The Continually Shifting Center Lifelong Learning Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Four Using Sacred Language: Telling Stories, Asking Questions, and Listening Well The Languages We Use Exploring the Power of Personal Language Recognizing the Differences between Dialogue and Debate Learning to Listen, Honoring Silence Expanding Our Use of Questions and Answers Living the Questions Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Five Claiming Our Authority by Letting Go of Control Examining the Differences between Authority and Power Sharing Responsibility for Teaching and Learning Letting Go by Offering Choices Reimagining Power Finding Your Own Way to Be in Charge Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Six Attending to Our Inner Landscape: Seeing, Embracing, and Transforming Our Shadows Embracing Our Shadows Paying Attention to Our Inner Landscape Leads to Authenticity Common Shadows in Teachers' Lives Striving for Perfection Fearing Interruptions and Surprise Believing Our Own and Others' Projections Being Realistic Looking Inward, Going Deeper Chapter Seven Teaching Who We Are: Honoring Our Unique Gifts The Deepest Call Is to Be Who We Are Growing in Integrity and Authenticity Discovering Our Own Treasures Simplicity Patience Compassion Liberation Love Gratitude Wisdom Looking Inward, Going Deeper Acknowledgments Notes Suggestions for Further Reading
