Gatekeepers Let's Talk About Teaching

by Tammy McMorrow

In Gatekeepers, Tammy McMorrow recognizes that teachers live in a world of deafening voices that bombard their profession with opinions, traditions, and mandates. Yet she beckons teachers to be sentinels at the doors of their classrooms - to stand watch and protect their students from any method or practice that could prove harmful. Tammy combines the research of several distinguished educational pioneers with over twenty years of her own classroom experience to question the status quo. The varied topics in this book challenge teachers of all grade levels to critically think about how they teach students' hearts and minds. She invites her readers to join this important conversation and guard the gate. She invites them to be gatekeepers.

112 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2017

About the author

Tammy McMorrow has taught first grade for twenty-three years in Kuna, Idaho. She firmly believes she’s ultimately in charge of her own professional development, and she’s been blessed with the time, space, and energy to constantly learn and repeatedly outgrow her best teaching self throughout her career. She attributes much of her literacy pedagogy to Reading Recovery training during her third year of teaching. Working towards her masters in reading, as well as becoming a Boise State Writing Project fellow in 2006, extended her practice tremendously. Most recently she became an Idaho Coaching Network teacher. She’ll be seeing the benefits of that professional experience for years to come.
Tammy has provided training at various levels and on various topics within her school and district. She has also presented regionally, as a Boise State Writing Project fellow and as an independent contractor.
When Tammy is not teaching or thinking about teaching, she’s reading. She also loves to sing and has recorded three Christian CDs with her cousin, Laurie.
You can learn more about Tammy’s classroom and practices by visiting her blog, Forever in First (foreverin1st@blogspot.com), or connecting with her on Twitter: @tammymcmorrow.

Reviews

[Jonelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As teachers, we should be constantly reflecting on our practice! Tammy does this with such grace and integrity that it gives the rest of us room to do this on our own. This is an important read for all teachers, no matter their years of service.

[Brandon Bolyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired and inspiring. Tammy pays homage to the readers and writers who have influenced her classroom practices and shares her own experiences with humility and transparency. Gatekeepers is perfect for any teacher looking for a boost of inspiration or an opportunity to reflect on his or her own teaching practices. Each chapter will make the reader think, "Who do I have the potential to be, and how can I nurture the potential of my students?"

[Laurie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of Tammy's work, I have had the pleasure of reading Gatekeepers from cover to cover, and each reading is more inspiring than the last. Tammy is a first-grade teacher, but regardless of your teaching context, I have no doubt you will find Tammy's reflections thought-provoking in the best possible ways. Gatekeepers doesn't just allow dialogue -- it invites it. This is a book to read and savor, to write in the margins, to find your favorite chapters and read them over and over again, as you discover your own gatekeeping opportunities. This book will leave educators feeling empowered and ready to guard the gates for our students.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an aspiring middle/high school teacher. This book is written by a first grade teacher, but I would recommend it to any aspiring teacher of any level-- maybe even anyone in general, since we are all teachers in a way.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't matter what subject you teach, what grade level or in what capacity you teach. If you teach children in anyway, this is the book for you! This book is full of inspirational thoughts but also reminders and ideas for best practices. What a great motivator to always do what's best for kids! This will be a professional book that I will always keep within reach and turn to regularly. It is a mindset. Thank you Tammy for letting your light shine and sharing your talents, skill and love, so we can benefit as educators and more importantly so our young people will benefit.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my social studies teachers recommended this book to me a few weeks ago and I thoroughly enjoyed every idea and reflection the author writes about. The book keeps going back to why teachers should be in this job of educating students - reflect on what is best for the students and not me as a teacher! Ms. McMorrow shares so much wisdom in her over twenty years of teaching about the love of reading, allowing kids to write everyday, and for teachers to be the gatekeepers of the students we interact with on a daily basis. Great read and makes me proud to be a teacher!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book. I have been teaching for 38 years and found my thoughts and practices validated in Ms. McMorrow's book. I definitely recommend this to other teachers.

[Janelle Stear · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading all of the inspirational ideas and strategies that Tammy describes. She writes from her heart as I can tell she teaches from the heart! I will truly take her wisdom into my own teaching. Thank you Tammy for your humble witness into teaching!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the intended readership for this book would be teachers and educators, it's a book which may also give parents ideas for helping their children develop a love for learning and for reading. It made me wish all children had a teacher with such a heart for their students. I enjoyed the entire book, but the two final chapters, Listen to your Heart and Surrounded by Greatness had a powerful impact. The author is a teacher with high standards, along with love and positive expectations for her students. I highly recommend this book for any of the teachers and parents in your lives.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for educators. Whether you are just beginning your career, or have taught for many years, there are valuable reminders for everyone. McMorrow reflects on 50 different quotes from well known published educators on one or two pages. You can read one daily, or the whole book in an afternoon. New teachers are introduced to many wise educators who have published books and have been on the speaking circuit. The works cited included at the end is a great list of other professional books. It was inspiring.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this book. I wanted to savor it, so I read a chapter a day and allowed myself time to ponder each idea. Tammy has created a book for educators which reminds us of WHY we teach and how to make sure we're doing our best for our students. She reminds us to keep learning and growing, to continue questioning our practice, and to never settle...our students are at the heart of our practice.