The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have inspired a passion for learning

by Mandy Froehlich, Bethany Hill, Ethan Blackwell

Adversity itself is not what defines us. It is how we react to that adversity and the choices we make that creates who we are and how we will persevere. The Fire Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning is a compilation of stories from amazing educators who have faced personal adversity head on and have become stronger people for it. They use their new-found strength to support the students and teachers they work with. They are sharing their stories with a hope that others in the same situations might not feel alone, knowing that in our darkest hours, when our situations feel the most hopeless, is when we develop the extraordinary characteristics that make us who we are at our very cores. In addition to the powerful and inspirational stories, there is a chapter included on trauma and how it rewires our brain, as well as the effects of Secondary Trauma, especially as it affects someone who is still dealing with their own fallout from traumatic experiences. This chapter also includes mindfulness activities that support coping and healing. As teachers, we often don’t like to share our stories of adversity because we feel like we need to be strong for the little people we work with, but oftentimes our struggles give us strengths that are unique to us and support our work with others. When people fight through adversity, they either choose to live in their sorrow, or they use what they’ve learned to become a better servant of others. Everyone has a story. We are hopeful that ours will inspire other educators to discover their superpowers, too!

Genres: Education

263 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2018

About the author

Mandy Froehlich is a Director of Innovation and Technology in Wisconsin where she supports and encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. Her passion lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what is needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking in their classroom. She consults with school districts and post-secondary institutions around the country in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, as a Google for Education Certified Trainer, and has presented on similar topics at conferences such as NetX, TIES, FETC and ISTE. Her first book, The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning, discusses mental health awareness for teachers. Her book based on an organizational structure she developed to support teachers in innovative and divergent thinking, tentatively called The Divergent Teacher, is set for release late 2018.

Reviews

[John Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. It’s another must read for educators.

Though you will read personal stories that are absolutely heartbreaking, you heart will soar to discover how these educators rose out of their trauma. They share how the experiences gave them “super powers” that they now use in their work with students and colleagues. The book ends with the science of trauma, which by itself is a must read.

[Helen Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trauma for educators is something many experience but rarely talked about. This book has first hand accounts of how trauma has given educators superpowers that inform . How the brain reacts and is affected is also written about. The importance of self care, as written about , is stressed

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring

My own childhood/experiences differ widely from those illustrated in the book. Yet I understand that mine shaped who I am as an educator, and as a person. Reading stories about real people who have overcome adversity is very inspiring and thought-provoking! Great book for anyone (not just educators) who works with ANYONE else!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for educators, whether they have personally experienced trauma or are educators continually working to meet the needs of students. This book ties together stories of several educators to help understand how our adversities give us our strengths and how we can learn and grow from them. This book provides strategies, inspiration and hope.

[Desmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

“People always show their true character in the moments when life gets difficult. It’s not adversity itself that defines a person; it’s how they react to the situation” (p. 10). I was hit with this when I was reading the first chapter and I was hooked. Mandy spits fire in this book and it was written well before this notorious year of 2020 hit us!

This book was published in 2018, is still relevant today, and will continue to stay relevant for all professionals and not just educators. Mandy gives you stories from various professionals and their different walks of life. All stories go through some of their adversity and how they overcome their challenges. From listening to your body, to loving yourself, being resilient, and loving your family, this book has anything that one would need when confronting adversity of any kind (mainly in education). Additionally, it’s an easy read that you can pick up at any time.

As a recently unemployed educator of 15 years I can sincerely say I learned several things in this book and wish I had read it sooner in my career. Better late than never. I suggest you read a copy sooner than later. I’m certain it will help you find the beauty in a storm you’ve either gone through, are in, or are about to enter.

[Jessica Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made an imprint on my teaching heart, that will always stay with me long after today, when I turned the last page. This book became a part of me, and it helped me open up to share some of my story. Mandy is not only a fighter and a survivor, she’s a magnet for the forces of other survivors, and has leveraged her trauma to make herself and others stronger through PTSG. This book is a must-read, not just for educators, but for anyone wanting to go deeper in life.

[Vanessa Monell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very timely read

I read this book in a day! I just couldn't put it down. I am an educator and believe that our stories of adversity and resilience must be told to benefit our students. This book is an example of that and I recommend it to every teacher. I will remember the stories and use the advice and the science years to come. It gives the reader a lot to think and reflect about. Read it.

[Jennifer Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for educators!

Educators need to recognize when a child is suffering or has suffered trauma, so appropriate supports can be offered. Even if someone has never experienced trauma firsthand, learning from others stories is beneficial in developing a frame of reference for understanding.