Becoming a Teacher

Masters at Work

by Melinda D. Anderson

An illuminating guide to a career as a teacher written by acclaimed journalist Melinda D. Anderson and based on the real-life experiences of a master teacher—essential reading for anyone considering a path to this profession that changes lives.

Go behind the scenes and be mentored by the best in the business to find out what it’s really like, and what it really takes, to become a teacher. Educators are the bedrock of a healthy society, and the exceptional ones have a lasting impact. The best teachers surpass mere instruction to cultivate and empower students beyond school.

In LaQuisha Hall’s classroom, students are “scholars,” young ladies are “queens,” and young men are “kings.” The Baltimore high school English teacher’s pioneering approach to literacy has earned her teacher of the year accolades, and has established her as a visionary mentor to the young black men and women of Baltimore. Acclaimed education writer Melinda D. Anderson shadows Mrs. Hall to reveal how this rewarding profession changes lives. Learn about Hall’s path to prominence, from the challenging realities of her rookie year to her place of excellence in the classroom. Learn from Hall’s inspiring approach and confront the critical issues of race, identity, and equity in education. Here is how the job is performed at the highest level.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The country needs more people like the author! Inspiring, caring, thoughtful, willing to give her all to her students, Ms. Anderson is an incredible human being.
Beginning with her unexpected journey into teaching, the author relates her long career in education. Coming from a "country" background, and being placed in an inner-city urban school in Baltimore could not have been easy. Ms. Anderson struggles, but doesn't give up. She perseveres through an entrenched bureaucracy, non-interested parents, and students who are "seen" as unteachable. Through it all, she works her magic, follows her own principles and unconventional methods, to end up being a highly recognized and rewarded example of teaching.
I lived just outside Baltimore in the early 2000's. I know the perceptions of the schools and of the students in that time period. And of the rampant crime and poverty where she was teaching. I'm amazed at how she accomplished so much.
This is an inspiring book. I hope people take an opportunity to read it. Ms. Anderson's methods have the potential to change a lot of students lives for the better.

[Brett Strickland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, and I love real life stories about education, but the title is misleading. Had more to do with a high school English teacher navigating the bureaucracy of a school system than becoming an effective classroom teacher. Also, the teacher quits at the end because she decides she can reach more young people by not being in the classroom, which struck me as odd.

[Sarah Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important little book for teachers and teacher-educators to read. This portrait of one Black Baltimore teacher reveals so many important truths about teaching — particularly teaching English — right now.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 45 of 50 for 2021. Short but packed with both personal narrative, context, and wisdom. Has my teaching itch itching.

[Scott Milam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were more books that just followed around amazing teachers and wrote their stories. This was great.

[Jen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't learn anything new, but it was nice to reaffirm best teaching practices.

[Jeremiah Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart needed this book. Every body should read this, it is incredible

[Lia Busby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming a Teacher was a really easy, enlightening read. Anderson's style of writing is extremely narrative, as opposed to most books talking about the purposes of public education and I really enjoyed following LaQuisha Hall's story from start to end as a teacher in the classroom.

One of the most important things I took away from this book was the idea of demoralization in teachers; the loss of motivation to continue their passion for teaching as a result of restrictive curriculum guidelines, standardized testing, etc.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a miraculous find for my first year of teaching. Truly the best way to learn about what it is like to teach in the U.S public school systems is learn from our educators: those who persevere and those who are quickly burnt out. Hall encouraged me with her stories and will to reach students, especially students of color.

I highly recommend to anyone wanting to enter the field of education or anyone needing inspiration within the field.

[L De Clou · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very inspiring read. This teacher has so much energy; I truly don't know how she does it. She is completely devoted to her profession. It has definitely motivated me to rethink my approach to teaching.

I liked reading about her seeing herself as a revolutionary in the education system. I would have liked it if they further explored what led her to make the decision that she did at the end of the book.

[Haven Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for an Education class and it was much better than expected. It was written by a woman who interviewed and shadowed a veteran teacher in inner-city Baltimore. There was a lot to learn from Ms. Hall and she was obviously a very wise woman with a lot of information I enjoyed hearing. However, I think I would have preferred it to be just written by the teacher herself instead of the secondary source.

[Night Knowledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing look at the world of education through the story of a singular teacher. Mrs. Hall's story of challenge and triumph can enlighten those seeking a position in teaching on what potential road bumps they may or may not face, while also offering a unique perspective into the Black experience in education, and for Baltimore schooling as well. An easy read in terms of length, but a book that'll open your eyes nonetheless.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, powerful, insightful read on what it means to be a teacher. Anderson profiles one excellent teacher while expertly contextualizing her story with insights into the big picture of American schools. A must-read for education adminstrators and new teachers alike.

[Gabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for teachers or people who hold teachers in high regard. A quick read that reminded me of our mission as teachers and what it takes to keep achieving that mission year after year. Ms. Hall is a cool cat and I enjoyed learning about her life and approach to teaching!

[Elizabeth]

As seen in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...

[Jennifer]

Such a wonderful book written by an amazing woman, who I’ve followed for years on Twitter. I’ve learned so much from her candid voice. This book is a gift.

[Martin P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, you read that right. 5 stars. Amazing book.

[Siena Harrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful. Thinking about all of this in the context of me teaching in the future. Inspiring to see a successful & amazing teacher!!

[Graham Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Hall is an inspirational teacher and Ms. Anderson is an excellent writer helping us who are teachers take the experience of a successful teacher and glean helpful attitudes and actions that will benefit our classrooms.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in a matter of hours. It was phenomenal. I loved learning more about, Mrs. Hall, but more than that, the book gives such a clear portrayal of the major issues within public school by profiling all of Mrs. Hall’s hard work. This should be required reading for anyone entering the education field. I’m hopeful this book can continue to inspire dedicated teachers and contribute to the fight for educational equity.