The Inspired Teacher: Zen Advice for the Happy Teacher

by Donna Quesada

Donna Quesada had been teaching for about a dozen years when the first signs of burnout hit her. Rather than give in to her frustration, she reached for Buddha’s teachings, the Zen wisdom that formed the basis of her own longtime spiritual practice. She survived the semester and gradually rediscovered the joy in her job that had been progressively declining. In this wise and inspirational book, she shares the lessons she learned—lessons that revealed, time and again, that no matter the situation, it’s always about getting your head in the right place first. Resolution begins in our own minds. Some days, some semesters, and even some years will be more challenging and more wearisome than others, she warns. But in The Inspired Teacher , Quesada offers a lasting source of encouragement and Zen. Although the book draws from Eastern teachings, the wisdom is for everyone, regardless of personal background, creed, or faith.

With elements of The Last Lecture as well as Chicken Soup for the Teacher’s Soul , this is the perfect gift for teachers—but also for anyone needing inspiration.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

I teach an unconventional eastern philosophy class to large groups at Santa Monica College, where my students and I "tune-in" before lecture. We stop, we greet the day, we breathe, we meditate and we listen to the delicious music, if only for a few minutes, or so.

I believe that as teachers, we teach just as much through our presence and our way of being, as through our words. I believe we are in a unique position to uplift others and I also believe we are all teachers in some way.

I am also honored to be able to call myself a teacher of Kundalini Yoga. I teach in my own studio, as well as in the eminent Yoga West. I have an affinity for all spiritual practices and wisdom teachings and have received training in the Zen tradition. I live with my family in the heart of cinema land, Culver City, CA, where you'll likely find me walking my beloved little terrier, Marcel.

Reviews

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. My only regret is that I read it so fast, some things haven't sunk in yet. I haven't read a ton of Zen literature, but this book's format of using a Zen lens to examine a teacher's experiences in the classroom, really resonated with me. While this book is written about teaching in higher education, and I am in a secondary ELA setting, there were still so many moments that I related to and that broadened my understanding of my own experiences. I will definitely reach to this book again somewhere down the road.

[Hope Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated the ideas and stories connected within this book. I could definitely relate to a handful of them. Her voice was not my favorite, and it felt geared more towards college level teaching. Ultimately, I’m thankful I read it, but probably won’t be rereading or referencing it in the future like I initially thought I would.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished this book I was so excited to write a review. First, wow this author sure can write and it is done so beautifully! I love all the stories she shared from her experiences. I am NOT a teacher but I am a college student and I personally have been present when a lot of the experiences she speaks of has happened, and it’s interesting to read it from the teachers perspective. I feel like every college professor should read this book because it gives such great advice on giving situations that happen in the classroom a new outlook or way of thinking. I actually took notes in the book because there was so much wisdom about everyday life occurrences such as dealing with anger etc. I can honestly say I learned lot from this book. Highly recommended. I will be donating this book to a new bookstore opening locally to spread this read along to a new set of eyes.

[Allie Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book as a gift from my cooperating teachers at the end of student teaching. I really appreciate the gift. The book was good, but it took me a long time to read because the writing style was a bit boring in my opinion. Also, some of the ideas weren't as applicable to a middle school teacher. I definitely recommend it if you're interested in philosophy or if you teach college.

[MeriBeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of my students are lacking impulse control and struggle with crippling anxiety, that I needed to find specific strategies I could implement into my classroom. The strategies found in this book are helpful and kids are more excited to settle down and learn when they "know how".