Some of the most prominent educators of our time, including Robert Coles, Vivian Paley, Ted Sizer, Maxine Greene, Alfie Kohn, Parker Palmer, Ira Shor, and Donald Graves reveal their personal stories and offer valuable insights in this one-of-a-kind collection. In up-close and personal interviews, they share memorable learning experiences; discuss how they overcame obstacles and feelings of isolation to teach in a learner-centered, active classroom; and much more.

Personifying what it means to be a teacher, this wonderful collection:

• Brings together powerful stories that will inspire teachers to examine their own actions and assumptions about their teaching practices.
• Helps teachers to identify with renowned educators who continuously struggle to improve their craft.
• Features rich examples of the rewards of taking time to reflect on teaching and learning, and the value we can make of our experiences.

Contents:

Becoming a Teacher:
Eleanor Duckworth—Engaging Learners with Their Own Ideas
Yetta Goodman—Learning from the Past, Living in the Present
Grant Wiggins—The Evolution of a Teacher Educator

Teaching and the Power of Story:
Robert Coles—Taking Learning to Heart
Donald Graves—Articulating Learning Experiences That Work
Vivian G. Paley—Listening to Children’s Stories

The Teacher as Moral and Philosophical Guide:
Maxine Greene—“I’m Pursuing Something I Haven’t Caught Yet”
Nel Noddings—Teaching: A Lifelong Moral Quest
Parker J. Palmer—Seeking Creative Solitude and Community

Teaching Place, Fostering Consequential Learning:
Jack Shelton—Bringing Teachers, Students, and Community Together for Powerful Change
Bobby Ann Starnes—Letting Go of the Need to Be Certain, Exploring Possibilities

Teaching and Educational Change:
Alfie Kohn—Offering Challenges and Creating Cognitive Dissonance
Ira Shor—Teaching and Cultural Democracy
Ted Sizer—Extreme Experiences and Asking the Unaskable

Foxfire is a not-for-profit, educational, and literary organization based in Rabun County, Georgia.