Diamonds in the TOUGH - Mining the Potential in Every Student

by Cleo Lampos

Finding the potential in problematic students is challenging regardless of the setting: public school, private school, church clubs, youth groups, or Sunday school. In her book, Teaching Diamonds in the Tough, author Cleo Lampos reminds the reader on each page that every teacher possesses the power to shape a child s future.

Through illustrative episodes drawn from her teaching experiences, Lampos recreates the struggles, triumphs, and heartbreaks inherent in education. Undergirded with the belief that even the most incorrigible child can change if given affection, attention, and guidance, the author inspires educators with story, Scripture, quotes, and a suggested action plan. The challenge, according to Lampos, is to look beyond the rough exteriors of a student s attitude and behavior to their inner needs. Underneath may be a true Diamond in the Tough.

If you buy a new print edition of this book (or purchased one in the past), you can buy the Kindle edition for only $0.99 (Save 67%).

Genres: Education

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2012

About the author

I was born in Colorado, but raised on farms in Iowa and Wisconsin. My father died when I was three years old, leaving my mother with my five year old sister and seventeen year old brother. Within a year, my brother joined the Navy, and a few years later, my mother remarried. When I went to Fort Atkinson High School in Wisconsin, it was my eighth school.( New students in my classrooms always got special attention from me.)

After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a major in elementary education and a minor in library science, I taught in a Chicago suburb for two years. There I met and married Vernon Lampos and taught one more year before settling down to raise three children. When my son entered first grade, I attended St. Xavier College in Chicago, earning a Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities while working in the LD/BD Clinic as a diagnostician. Returning to the work force after ten years, I experienced all the classic "new teacher" mistakes. Reading my book, Teaching Diamonds in the Tough, you will realize the challenges that I faced while teaching 20 years in the district described as "an urban school in a suburban setting."

My husband and I have always belonged to a local church and been active in its programs. I have taught Vacation Bible School, written the preschool curriculum for an urban church, told missionary stories for Children's Church, co-authored plays, and spoken at homeschooling and women's meetings. Presently, Vernon and I garden for Share the Harvest, help with Pantry Kitchen, conduct Kids Konnex, and volunteer at Bibles for Missions Thrift Store. I collaborate with the Worship Planners in our church. Our ten grandchildren keep us busy.

As a writer, I have had numerous magazine articles published in Lookout, Teachers in Focus, Evangelizing Today's Child and others. In 2011, I received the Honorary Genesis Award for Young Adult for Year of the Locust, an historical fiction story of a boy on the orphan train. I have written curriculum for Urban Ministries/Chicago, contributed to Writing So Heaven Will Be Different, and published a family friendly book on Alzheimer's Disease, Grandpa's Remembering Book. I have been a member of a writer's group for twenty years, and also attend the group at our local library.

Reviews

[Lynn Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful, touching book is not only for teachers but for anyone who works with young people. Ms. Lampos, a teacher with more than 25 years' experience in troubled classrooms, helps restore the passion for this work, and shows us how to see the God-given potential in every child.

[Grace Rellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo Lampos is a wife, mother, teacher, friend and now a writer. With her book she teaches us yet more lessons. I highly recommend, Teaching in the Tough: Mining the Potential in Every Student. While it may have been written with the teacher in mind, there are many principals that can be applied to anyone’s life.
Here we see that Tough doesn’t have to mean Tough Love. There are many solutions to life’s problems and here Cleo shows us what she’s learned along the way to a fulfilling life. Teaching Diamonds in the Tough is a gentle self-help book in a small bejeweled package. Walk with Cleo into a world of troubled children and walk out with a smile that says we made a difference.
Cleo’s prose speak of hope and light on the other side. Written in the form of personal essays we see what types of roadblocks the modern teacher may encounter and learn life lessons that will remove both the mental and physical signs to allow for a more open understanding between teacher and student.
Just as each child and situation are different, so are the stories she shares. Life is a blessing. Cleo clearly teaches this and defines what it means to be a kind gentle soul who’s along for the whole journey.
I know you will both learn and enjoy. The teacher is in. Let life lessons begin. Be assured the ride is worth the trip.

Visit her on her guest blog at http://evelyncullet.com/author-cleo-l... or on her own website at http://cleolampos.com/

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did my student teaching in a high school like this grade school, and I wish I had had even more of this perspective. I especially like the Called By Name and Homework Club stories. Mrs. Lampos' tells stories that are timeless in their hope and encouragement for teachers in tough situations where hope is scarce. A teacher really can make all the difference. Sometimes they need to have that reminder to keep on. For any teacher who wants to see her students through the eyes of faith, this is a great book.

[Larry B Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching Diamonds in the Tough by Cleo Lampos is an excellent testimonial to how great teachers can and do change peoples lives. I believe it should be required reading for all parents and teachers.

Yes we have problems in our schools, with our teachers and in our homes, but society needs to step back and take a good look at the issues and stop pointing fingers. Cleo Lampos demonstrates that the system can work and shows how to make it better.

I enjoyed reading Teaching Diamonds in the Tough by Cleo Lampos and I highly recommend it to all readers.

[Maralyn Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

These experiences have application for classroom teachers but also for Sunday School teachers, volunteers in YMCA or park programs, individuals giving horseback, music or other private lessons... basically, anyone who works with children can find this book touching their lives.

[Richard Chrisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stirring of the Heart.

Sometimes during your teaching career you become hardened when you face the everyday struggles that the classroom can bring. These lessons on life will wash away the muck and myre and help you to remember why you chose to become an educator. You will be inspired and desire to focus on what truly matters, making a difference in the lives of those in your care

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is hard to determine what to make of Teaching Diamonds in the Tough: Mining the Potential in Every Student by Cleo Lampos. It is much too short and disjointed to be called a book; it reads more like pamphlet. I was expecting advice on how to teach and manage difficult students. Instead, I got several vignettes concerning Lampos’ students and her personal life followed by scripture quotes. Nothing ever mentioned how to “mine the potential.” I was also not expecting the religious aspect. I am not sure what message Lampos is trying to communicate with this publication. Overall, the material included in this publication is better suited to a religious website rather than a teaching manual.

I received this book as part of the GoodReads First Read program. This does not influence my review at all.