Books That Inspire 2005
 
The Courage to Teach: exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life
Parker Palmer


A few years ago as a fledgling graduate assistant teacher and closet perfectionist, I was focused on teaching the “right” things, making sure the students learned “important information,” and implementing “correct” teaching meth-ods. A trusted mentor introduced me to The Courage to Teach, and while it honors the science of teaching, it primarily emphasizes the context of teaching, and illuminates the art and the heart of teaching. By challenging me to foster passion, courage, community, hope and integrity in my teaching, the author inspired me to capture and savor each rich opportunity I am given when my life intersects with students, student-athletes and colleagues. From this foundation, effectiveness more readily seems to follow.
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Nicole Moore
Assistant Director of Athletic Academic Affairs for Psychological Services
Athletics