Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching

by Jim Burke

If you've been reading this book, consider joining a Facebook discussion group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15036...

Thanks, Meenoo Rami

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As a novice teacher, Meenoo Rami experienced the same anxieties shared by many: the sense of isolation, lack of self-confidence, and fear that her work was having no positive impact on her students. In Thrive, Meenoo shares the five strategies that helped her become a confident, connected teacher. From how to find mentors and build networks, both online and off, to advocating for yourself and empowering your students, Thrive shows new and veteran teachers alike how to overcome the challenges and meet the demands of our profession.
Praise for Thrive
"Whether you are entering your first year of teaching or your 40th, Thrive feels as if it were written just for you. At a time in our profession when many of us are feeling stretched thin, Meenoo Rami offers strategies to reignite our passions and rediscover why we chose to teach."
-Christopher Lehman, coauthor of Falling in Love with Close Reading
"Teaching is a profession that eats its young. Meenoo Rami offers guidelines for surviving the challenges of the classroom as well as the faculty room."
-Carol Jago, author, teacher, and past president of NCTE
"Thrive includes a mosaic of dynamic teacher voices from many grade levels and content areas. Reading their stories deepened my thinking about the immense untapped potential of our profession. Meenoo Rami's vision of teaching and learning can sustain us all."
-Penny Kittle, author of Book Love
Join the conversation on Twitter at #edthrive.
SAVE on a book study bundle! 15% off 15 copies.

Genres: Professional Development, Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Adult

120 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

A longtime English teacher, Jim Burke is the author of more than 20 books and senior consultant for the Holt McDougal Literature program. Jim has received several awards, including the 2000 NCTE Exemplary English Leadership Award. In 2009, he created the English Companion Ning―the largest online community of English teachers in the world. More recently, Jim has served on the AP English Course and Exam Review Commission and the PARCC Consortium.

Reviews

[Russ Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When students create content rather than just consume it, their engagement grows capaciously."

THRIVE is a book that should immediately be added to your reading list. If you are a novice teacher, you will find insights on how to continue the positive momentum of your first years of teaching in an ever-changing profession. If you are a veteran teacher, this is the breath of fresh air when all the peripheral responsibilities of teaching start to bog you down. THRIVE is honest, practical, smart, and most importantly, relevant no matter where you are in your teaching career. Meenoo Rami discusses how connecting with educators, trusting yourself, and empowering students leads to an invigorating and fulfilling daily experience. I loved it.

[Jazmyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

Started reading this as part of a student teacher group my former Ed professor started. I really liked a lot of the honesty that Rami poured into the book - it's exhausting to read about how amazing and perfect teaching always is. This book was real - things can get tough fast - and it gives the reader some insight and tips into how to overcome those challenges. It's also a super manageable book, and makes PD easy to do in between grading, planning, etc.

[Charmayne Polen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the practical advice given to teachers, as well as the individual stories by teachers who are actually in the classroom. This book gave me a few ideas to use in my classroom, but most importantly, reminded me of the incredibly challenging, difficult and rewarding profession I have chosen, which is teaching. It helped me regain my sense of pride in being an educator and made me realize so many others are going through the struggles and challenges as well; we are not alone. Thanks for writing such a positive book! We are looking at it to use as a book study in our school - think it'll be perfect for that.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book packs a punch for new teachers and veterans looking for inspiration. A great title to give to a new college grad ready to begin their first teaching job.

More thoughts coming soon...

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very encouraging. I feel like it's best target is brand new teachers who need encouragement and veteran teachers who are feeling out of the technology and/or networking loop. Though I don't fall into either of those categories, I still felt as though this was filled with good advice for staying current. Many of the ideas in the snippets were focused on high school, but mostly adaptable for elementary and middle school students. I give it three stars only because I like a little more take-away from PD books and I'm already doing a lot of the suggested changes so I didn't come away from it with oodles of ideas and ah-ha's.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

For new teachers, it's a great book. For seasoned teachers, it's good. I could have used more depth and more specific strategies.

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated. Would still be a great read for pre service or first year teachers.

[Melissa Hiltbrand · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just so boring.

[jmjester · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was collecting my belongings to leave the house a few days ago, I caught an interview with Pharrell by Anthony Mason on the Sunday Morning news program. Though I was running late for a bridal shower, I sat and stayed for the entire segment because of the gratitude the artist expressed for all of the teachers and others who believed in him along the way. Here’s an excerpt from the telecast:

Walk down the street with Pharrell Williams now, and from all sides people approach him, people of every color and every age. "People walk up with their toddlers -- 'There's the 'Happy' man!'" Pharrell said.
"Are you okay with being the 'Happy' man?" Mason asked.
"I'm grateful."
"You're going to live with the '"Happy" Man' and the hat for a while. You're okay with that?"
"What else do I have any other business being but appreciative?" Pharrell responded. "It's not my doing."

Though I love singing along to “Happy”, Pharrell’s latest hit, I continued watching because of just that sentiment and serendipity. Just the day before I listened to Meenoo Rami’s keynote at The Philadelphia Writing Project’s conference, Writing Out Loud: A Celebration of Educators’ Voices. Rami teaches at the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia and is the founder of #engchat, the weekly Monday night Twitterchat for English teachers around the world. Her first book, Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching, was just published by Heinemann. It is just as thoughtful and articulate as she is.

Rami opens her book by discussing the mentors in her teaching life. Like Pharrell, she lists them by name and the impact they had on her. She compares the isolation she felt in the first few years of teaching with the connectedness and support she finds now both from those she knows personally as well as those she has met online through various websites and Twitter. She makes the case that we could all benefit from these types of relationships no matter what stage of our career we are in. Interspersed throughout the book are vignettes from other teachers across the country that support her arguments, including this one.

Subsequent chapters treat the need to join professional networks like NCTE (The National Council of Teachers of English) and NWP (The National Writing Project) and Edcamp. Because this isn’t a book just for English teachers, she also includes other organizations as well. Not surprisingly, she also advocates the professional development that can be found online through Twitter and sites like Jim Burke’s English Teacher Companion Ning. Other chapters include the need to stay intellectually challenged, how to stay true to yourself, and on empowering student voices.

Rami’s voice is strong throughout. We can trust her advice because it was often hard won. In the chapter on staying true to yourself, she includes an anecdote about being cowed by a former principal into abandoning a unit plan she had been very excited to teach and the regret she feels now for doing so. She gives us just enough specifics about her career for us to see our own in hers. It’s also chock full of resources to help us find our own way. As a teacher of twenty-seven years, I find it just as useful as someone just starting out will.

She concludes the book by saying,
“Although some teachers might think I am crazy for saying this, I believe this is the best moment to be a teacher. Despite attacks on our profession, union-busting that is rampant around the country, and unrelenting focus on standardization rather than individualization in schools, there is a lot of amazing and exciting works being done in our classrooms around the country…No matter where you began your teaching journey, where it goes next is up to you. You have the power to construct the next phase or passage of your teaching career. You have the power to decide how you will find joy and energy in your work and how you will help your students to shape the future.”

This is the book I’ll recommend to my superintendent that should be given to all new hires. Pharrell is content to live with being the Happy Man. From now on, Rami, who had been synonymous with #engchat before, will be known for Thrive. I think she’ll be just as grateful to live with that as the man with the hat.

[Gary Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a bit lately about the many issues plaguing education. What a refreshing change to read a book by an author who understands all of that, sees through the morass, and cares enough about her profession to help save it one colleague at a time. Meenoo Rami's new book Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching is for all of us.

For those who are having trouble connecting (or re-connecting) to the joy of teaching, Meenoo Rami tells how to take steps toward finding support and meaning. For those who thrive in the classroom but are troubled by other factors in their schools, Meenoo suggests ways to provide context and balance.

For those intrigued by the idea of empowering students but uncertain about how to proceed, Meenoo has it covered. "When students create content rather than just consume it, their engagement grows capaciously," she says. If we want authentic engagement, and who doesn't, the key lies in how students interact with our content--actively or passively, with compliance or with enthusiasm.

For those who are doing just fine but looking for ways to get better, Thrive is full of practical suggestions for how to connect to other educators, our subject matter and students, as well as our own internal sources of inspiration and motivation.

My favorite section of Thrive deals with how fear can affect our professional relationships, classroom behavior, and job satisfaction: "Students do not benefit from your true passion when that passion is hidden beneath layers of doubt, insecurity about being ridiculed, or fear of failure. The question becomes: How do we manage this fear to make it productive instead of corrosive?" The advice that follows this question comes from a deep understanding of what it means to be a passionate educator and a work-in-progress human.

No matter where we are in our career paths as educators, Meenoo Rami's Thrive gives us inspiration, hope, and pragmatic clarity about how to move forward in creating or reclaiming the professional lives we've always envisioned.

Cross-posted on What's Not Wrong?

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent text for use in the National Writing Project, as well as all teachers. IT is a thin, but powerfully-packed professional read. For new teachers, this book provides specific details of how to step forward into what could be an intimidating environment. For veteran teachers, this book helps identify a refreshing, new frame of mind, that would work regardless of the standards, curriculum, or level. Some other reviewers felt it leaned more towards secondary teachers, but I disagree. As I read it, I saw myself and my elementary staff throughout. The principles outlined here are the same at any grade level or subject. We must all reflect on our practice throughout our career.
One of my favorite statements: “I am the sum of all my mentors.” Looking back over my career, I see a number of people who contributed to the teacher I am today. Our school employs that belief as our principal believes each staff member has something to share. I also like the suggestion to read what you want when you want, not put something on a ‘summer list’ to read later. Students need to see us reading lots of different texts for lots of different purposes.
My biggest take away is to ask my students, “How are you contributing? How are you receiving?”

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=3105

In this modern day of education where CCSS and testing seems to have become the most important priority and we’re being attacked in the media for having an easy job and are failing our students, it is very difficult to stay positive—much less thrive. Meenoo Rami says that there is definitely a way to overcome all of these hardships, and she lies it all out in 5 “steps.” Although some of what you might find in this book may seem like common sense, it may not be to other teachers, specifically new teachers. It is also important to get reminders about how to stay true to ourselves. I think this is a book that each teacher needs to read and own so they can read it whenever they need a reminder that there is a way to thrive in this profession that we love.

[BookChampions · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rami's slim volume takes a refreshingly optimistic look at what it means to be a teacher today. While most voices are bemoaning the challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, here we see one that gives very clear and helpful objectives. These "ways to (re)invigorate your teaching" are both practical and personal (and at times even political), which is exactly the balance teachers must strike in order to keep their head (and more importantly their heart) in the game.

I will probably return to this book as I figure out a few things, for a lot of it resonated with me. I would have liked another 50 pages or so, but I guess those are the 50 pages I will have to write. The extent of this book's power lies in what I am able to do with these ideas over the next year or so.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

his book was okay, but it didn't blow me away. i did like the chapter on building networks - lets teachers know how to build internet connections. But it's not as inspiring as I'd hoped.

Book description:
As a novice teacher, Meenoo Rami experienced the same anxieties shared by many: the sense of isolation, lack of self-confidence, and fear that her work was having no positive impact on her students. In Thrive, Meenoo shares the five strategies that helped her become a confident, connected teacher. From how to find mentors and build networks, both online and off, to advocating for yourself and empowering your students, Thrive shows new and veteran teachers alike how to overcome the challenges and meet the demands of our profession.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an instructional coach, this is a must read for all the teachers in my building and in my life! There is real-world (classroom) application of Meeno's 5 strategies. One could start implementing her ideas tomorrow!
One evening at the end of a particularly challenging day at school, I read these words that are still resonating in my head, "...we must not let outside input paralyze our own sound judgment about what is good for our kids." It is true, we are the experts of our profession. So we must stand up for what is right for our students!
Thrive is invigorating to read and ready to share!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrive. Whether a reminder to those of us who've been in the classroom for many years, or those just starting out, Meenoo Rami reminds us that we all need to be doing just this: thriv[ing]. If you aren't, or are looking for suggestions as to how to go about doing so, this book is for you. Even if you've totally got your act together (does any teacher every feel like they are there?!) she pushes you to kick it up a notch. There are many dog-eared pages and underlined passages I will be going back to again and again!

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of really good ideas in this book- but it didn't inspire me like Donnalyn Miller's books, or how Teach Like a Pirate or Teach LIke A Champion did. I felt like it was a little scattered for me- and maybe it's more taylored toward H.S. teachers. That being said, it was also affirming in that it affirmed many of the things I am already doing and "we" are already doing at my school and in my district. It's not a hard read, and it's an easy read- not bogged down with too much research or jargon.

[Alexa Danko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of the information that Rami brings up is common sense and I feel most teachers know this. The reason why I enjoyed it is because of the way Rami reminds you of why you wanted to be teacher in the first place. She includes great personal experiences and really gets you excited about teaching again. I will probably need to reread this if I ever find myself in a rut a few years down the road.

[Kris Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because Amazon now requires $35 minimum on orders for free shipping (boo!), and I needed a book to hit this mark. It is also the IN Dept of Ed eLearning Summer Book Club selection. Reviewers (other Heinemann peeps) all rave that it is for new and veteran teachers alike. Ehhh... I'd say new secondary teachers. #bookaday

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meenoo Rami's passion and energy are inspirational in this read. It offers practical courses of action to invigorate the classroom, and I am sure that I will incorporate several ideas this school year. I also loved the quotes she uses to illustrate theme or introduce a new chapter. This is a fast read that breathes revival and reflection into teaching.

[Janet Neyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the right book at the right time for me. Rami affirmed the positive things I do as an educator and introduced me to new ideas for my classroom and for my profession. I am a big believer in connection for our students and for teachers as professionals, and Thrive offers many suggestions for connecting with others and with our true natures as teachers.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intended target audience novice teachers. This book is a must for all teachers. It is relevant whether you have been teaching for two years or thirty. It is empowering. And will set you on a course of continuing passion for our profession.

[Jen Brittin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a veteran teacher or just starting out, Thrive is a must read. This short book reminds teachers that they are part of an intellectually challenging profession that requires connection, purpose and passion. Loved it!

[Joellen Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Professional books have the power to make us feel less alone on our journey toward improving our practice." Meenoo Rami shares the ways connections energize our practice and how by reflecting & learning together we all grow.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did challenge my thinking about connecting with others in the craft of teaching. However, my personality is so different from the author's that I felt more guilty than enthusiastic at times.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, thoughtful advice from Meenoo Rami. She shares her reflections on teaching, what really matters in the classroom, and how to maximize and effectively use your time in the classroom. An inspiring, honest read for new teachers and any educators anywhere on their journey.

[Mr. Daum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a different end result in mind when starting this book. This book does get me interested in using a "multi-media" approach to teaching, but it didn't "(Re)Invigorate" me the way I wanted/needed it to.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an EXCEPTIONALLY quick read. I'm sure this book will benefit many--obviously, if you consider the contrast between my rating and others'--but throughout, I found it to be a reiteration of the many ideas that I've received in PD/workshops, so I got very little out of it.

[Pam Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summer read for teachers to refresh for fall!

[Jill Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this for young teachers going into the field. It made me reflect on my own journey.