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The Teaching Life: An Encyclopedia of Irreverent Opinions, Observations, and Advice
232 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 23, 2026
Many highlights throughout this. So many good tidbits.
June 7, 2026
I’ve been reading Kelly Gallagher for just about the entirety of my teaching career (15 years so far), and he remains a fundamental figure in shaping how I think about reading and writing instruction. In his newest (and last?) Gallagher collects bits of wisdom about all things teaching, encyclopedia style.
If you’re familiar with Gallagher’s work, then much of what’s here might be recognizable. Still, I really enjoyed this, and was glad to be reminded of long-forgotten strategies I used to live by in an earlier teaching life (simple moves, like mystery envelope questions, prediction key words, collaborative revisions, etc.). His entries go well beyond teaching strategies, though, and take time looking into all the nooks and crannies of the teaching life in which he can illuminate with insight, including his critiques after 35 years of teaching (plus however many years my guy has been writing and presenting). In the world of education, much is driven by data, data, data and standardized testing. While I think there is a place for both, I find it refreshing to hear Gallagher championing the importance of novelty in instruction and the dangers of creating disengaged, standardized thinking. For me, Gallagher has always been a role model, and this book helps solidify why.
If you’re familiar with Gallagher’s work, then much of what’s here might be recognizable. Still, I really enjoyed this, and was glad to be reminded of long-forgotten strategies I used to live by in an earlier teaching life (simple moves, like mystery envelope questions, prediction key words, collaborative revisions, etc.). His entries go well beyond teaching strategies, though, and take time looking into all the nooks and crannies of the teaching life in which he can illuminate with insight, including his critiques after 35 years of teaching (plus however many years my guy has been writing and presenting). In the world of education, much is driven by data, data, data and standardized testing. While I think there is a place for both, I find it refreshing to hear Gallagher championing the importance of novelty in instruction and the dangers of creating disengaged, standardized thinking. For me, Gallagher has always been a role model, and this book helps solidify why.
March 17, 2026
I'll gleefully read anything and everything that Kelly Gallagher writes, regarding his books not just as valuable professional development, but as treasured gifts.
In the "Last Words" section of The Teaching Life, Gallagher reminds readers that he is a mortal, alas, subject to retirement despite my need to keep him teaching and writing forever (or at least until I retire). "This book is my attempt...," he writes, "to pass on what I know, knowledge I have gleaned from those who came before me, my teaching elders," and "it is my wish that these words will inspire you to pay it forward when your day comes.
"And that day will come."
Leave it to Gallagher to make me cry while reading a freaking PD book. I hope this isn't his swan song, but if it is, it's a sweet one.
In the "Last Words" section of The Teaching Life, Gallagher reminds readers that he is a mortal, alas, subject to retirement despite my need to keep him teaching and writing forever (or at least until I retire). "This book is my attempt...," he writes, "to pass on what I know, knowledge I have gleaned from those who came before me, my teaching elders," and "it is my wish that these words will inspire you to pay it forward when your day comes.
"And that day will come."
Leave it to Gallagher to make me cry while reading a freaking PD book. I hope this isn't his swan song, but if it is, it's a sweet one.
July 11, 2026
Gallagher is my go to for teacher PD. Whenever I need ideas or inspiration for my classroom, I pick up one of his books. This one was his A-Z thoughts and ideas from his 35 years of experience. This was his pay it forward novel and I loved it. I wrote down 4 pages of notes and ideas I want to take away and implement into my classroom next year. He speaks my love language as an ELA teacher: to make better readers and writers: students need to read and write in volume. Passing this book on to a fellow teacher so that they can gain insights as well!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews