A Saint Squad for Teachers

by A.J. Cattapan

Unknown Binding

About the author

A.J. Cattapan began writing stories in the third grade. Suspiciously, all her stories seemed to be about a girl named Amy. Eventually, her writing became less self-centered, and her short stories and articles began appearing in children's magazines. This led eventually to her first Chicken Soup for the Soul contribution (see From Lemons to Lemonade) and then to her first young adult novel, Angelhood, the story of a reluctant guardian angel. She lives and works in the Chicago area where she teaches middle school English.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Saint Squad for Teachers. by Amy J. Cattapan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am not a teacher, I just love reading books about saints. I enjoyed this book about saints who can help teachers. There are so many interesting saints and I learned a lot from this book.

[Dominika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the structure of this book. Each chapter includes several saints that showed a particular attribute. This feature makes this book really useful for future reference, as if I am struggling with something in my teaching, I can simply go to the corresponding chapter to read about saints who overcame that obstacle and how. Each saint gets a short biography, and what we can learn from them as teachers. At the end of each chapter there is also a summary of the saints of that chapter and reflection questions. I personally did not do the reflection questions but they would be great for a book club or reading group.

This book helped me learn about so many saints I had previously never heard of. I now have so many more saints I can ask to intercede for me in specific aspects of teaching.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Ave Maria Press, for making this book available to me to review.

[Lauren Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a DRE I normally wouldn’t pick up a book for “teachers” but I read everything by Dr. Cattapan and this is no exception. This book addresses the concerns of any educator- teachers, admins, pastors, catechists, parents, grandparents and yes DREs. I found myself nodding along to her entertaining personal stories, drawn into the saint stories and truly reflecting on my ministry as an educator of the faith. This book was EASILY a five star read and wish I could give it more. Every teacher needs to read this and feel like they aren’t alone. I feel honored to have read it early by the generosity of the author and am excited to give it high praise. It’s invaluable to those of us in the trenches of education, who often feel forgotten. Absolutely a gem!

[Brea Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "A Saint Squad for Teachers," A.J. Cattapan delivers a delightful blend of spiritual inspiration and practical advice tailored for educators. This compact yet enriching read serves as a beacon of encouragement for teachers seeking both professional growth and personal fulfillment in their noble vocation.

One of the book's standout features is its introduction to a diverse array of saints, some well-known and others less familiar, each accompanied by a concise yet compelling biography. Through meticulous selection, the author elucidates why these particular saints were chosen, weaving together their virtues and experiences with the challenges and triumphs of teaching. From stalwarts like St. Augustine, patron saint of educators, to lesser-known figures whose lives exemplify dedication and compassion, the saints presented in this volume offer invaluable role models for educators striving to infuse their practice with faith and purpose.

Moreover, "A Saint Squad for Teachers" goes beyond mere inspiration, providing actionable items that educators can readily incorporate into their teaching repertoire. Whether it's fostering empathy in the classroom, cultivating resilience amidst adversity, or nurturing a spirit of collaboration, each chapter offers practical strategies grounded in the timeless wisdom of the saints. These actionable insights serve as potent catalysts for growth, empowering teachers to enhance their pedagogy while fostering holistic development in their students.

Despite its profound insights, "A Saint Squad for Teachers" maintains a light and accessible tone, making it the perfect companion for busy educators. Designed to be read in short bursts between class periods or during moments of reflection, the book's brevity belies its depth, ensuring that even the most time-strapped teachers can derive sustenance from its pages.

Above all, the author's voice resonates with a palpable love for the teaching profession and a deep reverence for the individuals who dedicate their lives to it. Drawing from her own experiences and insights, A.J. Cattapan infuses the narrative with warmth and authenticity, forging a heartfelt connection with her readers. References to her previous works, such as "Is it June Yet," serve as invitations for further exploration, inviting educators into a larger conversation about the joys and challenges of teaching.

In conclusion, "A Saint Squad for Teachers" is a gem of a book that marries spiritual wisdom with practical guidance, offering a luminous path for educators seeking to elevate their practice. With its blend of inspiration, actionable advice, and heartfelt storytelling, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of teaching and the enduring legacy of the saints.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for an ARC of this book.

[Emily Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need this book!

Because I have reviewed @a.j.cattapan’s books in the past, and I love her writing style, I threw my hand in the air to review this book.

And y’all - Dr. Cattapan never disappoints. If you are a teacher, be it homeschool, CCD, Parochial School - literally any grade and even into college years - you need this book.

I have always loved Saints. Why? Because they came before us and the more we learn about them, the better our lives are. They teach us things like how live a better and more fulfilling faith-filled life; that we aren’t the only ones who struggle with sin; and, that literally NOTHING is impossible with God.

In this book Amy lays out Chapters filled with Saints and examples of how they built relationships with and taught children who have learning differences, difficult personalities, life challenges and so much more.

And if the Saint’s she chose, their stories and examples weren’t enough, she gives you questions at the end of each chapter to challenge YOU - the Teacher, of whomever you are teaching - to think about and implement the changes you need to in order to be more successful. More importantly after reading this book, you will be better equipped to implement change in your classroom, home, or workplace, in order to help others (aka your students) learn and succeed.

There is also a free Discussion Guide on Ave Maria Press that you can use in your Mom’s Group, Teacher’s Group, Book Club, etc.

I am not giving any more details. I will give a full review soon. I have a few favorite Saints that I identify with...

What I can tell you today is that you need to go to Ave Maria Press or Amazon and preorder your copy now.

More soon...

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catholic educators, whether they're teachers, catechists, or homeschoolers (like me!) often need some supernatural help to get them through their days. In her new book, Amy J. Cattapan introduces us to 45 saints whose intercession and example are a true gift to those who teach.

The book is divided into sections according to different aspects of teaching: creative teaching techniques, building strong relationships, dealing with challenging students, advocating for change, seeking justice for students, surpassing expectations, teaching in times of crisis, continuing on when the going gets tough, and maintaining strong prayer lives. Saints both popular and lesser-known are upheld as models for these various important skills, giving us both a little history lesson on their biographies and some present-day inspiration to bring into our classrooms, wherever they may be. Reflection questions provide great opportunities for journaling or prayer, making this book something teachers can use privately or in groups for professional development from a spiritual perspective.

A Saint Squad for Teachers would be a wonderful gift for a seasoned or brand-new teacher (or even someone embarking upon student teaching!) It's also a great crash-course in the saints of the church that could also be appealing to almost any Catholic who wants to develop his or her own saint squad.

[Michelle Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

We often hear that educators are stressed, overworked, and quitting. That's because they didn't have the saint squad on their teams! A Saint Squad for Teachers is a wonderful collection of inspiring stories connecting educators with saints who found ways to serve and teach, sometimes in the most challenging circumstances. Cattapan shares why each saint is included, stories of their accomplishments, and ways we can imitate the saint's work, all with a bit of humor along the way! I read it straight through, but it is organized by theme so it's easy to jump to any section in a time of need. (St. Catherine of Sienna is my new favorite!) I can’t wait to gift my teachers and administrators with their own copies! For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, A Saint Squad for Teachers will remind you why you became a teacher and provide inspiration for the journey.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading through the different saints for teachers as compiled by Amy J. Cattapan. This wasn't a title I just sat down and read. Rather, I would read about one saint and then let it percolate in my brain (and heart) for a while. So many of the saints were completely new to me and I suspect will become favorites over time.

As a homeschooler, adjunct instructor at a community college, and youth minister, this is a title I can refer to again and again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ave Maria Press for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Moriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book was divided into sections that teachers can relate to as they go through the emotions and struggles of a school year. I would use this book as inspiration to help lift me up and pray to the appropriate Saint in my time of need.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Rroyce333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prayerful book to look at the teaching as a beautiful vocation. The read helps a teacher to continue and seek the saints for their intercession.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book—and did so in record time. I read a large part of it while procrastinating on lesson planning (which is a totally different problem I should deal with 😅) because it was a pretty addictive read with short sections and practical takeaways.

A Saint Squad for Teachers puts a saintly spin on many common teacher advice, and it would be helpful both for current teachers and those in college or grad school who are in training for a career in teaching.

I shouldn’t have been surprised by this, but I was struck by the fact that this book provides an all-round excellent introduction to the saints. While it’s marketed and written for teachers, it could even be a great gift for a student preparing for confirmation if they’re the type who might be thinking of becoming a teacher or is that current or future student council president.