The Cage-Busting Teacher

Educational Innovations Series

by Frederick M. Hess

The Cage-Busting Teacher adopts the logic of Cage-Busting Leadership and applies it to the unique challenges and opportunities of classroom teachers. Detailed, accessible, and thoroughly engaging, it uncovers the many ways in which teachers can break out of familiar constraints in order to influence school and classroom practice, education policy, and school reform. "Cage-busting is concrete, precise, and practical," writes Frederick M. Hess. This invaluable book helps teachers understand why and how to revisit their assumptions and enables them to have greater impacts upon their schools and beyond.

Based on interviews with hundreds of teachers, teacher advocates, union leaders, and others, Hess identifies the challenges teachers face, seeks concrete and workable solutions, and offers recommendations to put those solutions in place. A uniquely practical and inspiring book, The Cage-Busting Teacher is for educators who want to shape the schools and systems in which they work.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Professional Development

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered this book in a huff one night because I wanted to read some inspiring, motivating education books rather than education books that were specific to my content. I had heard of the cage-busting teacher after I attended Teach 2 Lead this winter in Boston so naturally I gravitated towards it first. The book was a fairly simple read, but I felt like it did a really good job of explaining how the "cage" is formed around teachers, how so-called reforms have hindered or prevented teachers from leaving the cage, and most importantly, how teachers can lead the charge towards true changes in their schools and systems. I really appreciated the appendix of fellowships and resources at the end of the book. In fact, I applied to one, the teacher leadership initiative and received an acceptance letter a week ago so I guess my work is just beginning!

[Jennifer Cataline Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any educator who wants to be a true teacher leader and affect positive change in their profession.

[Dahiana Tejada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best education books I've read. It's perfect for those looking for ways to expand their leadership and challenge the status quo of what often is going so wrong in our schools.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super inspirational and a great read for any teacher looking to expand themselves and their practice.

[Mira Prater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.