Those Who Can, Teach: What It Takes To Make the Next Generation

by Andria Zafirakou

Arts teacher Andria Zafirakou was always a rule-breaker. At her inner-city London school where more than eighty languages are spoken, she would sense urgent needs; mending uniforms, calling social services, shielding vulnerable teens from gangs. And she would tailor each class to its pupils, fiercely believing in the power of art to unlock trauma, or give a mute child the confidence to speak. Time and again, she would be proved right.So in 2018, when Andria won the million-dollar Global Teacher Prize, she knew exactly where the money would back into arts education for all. Because today, the UK government's cuts and curriculum changes are destroying the arts, while their refusal to tackle the most dangerous threats faced by children – cyber-bullying, gang violence, hunger and deprivation – puts teachers on the safeguarding frontline.Andria's story is a rallying wake-up call that shows what life is really like for schoolchildren today, and a moving insight into the extraordinary people shaping the next generation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Teaching, Education, Biography

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2022

Reviews

[Bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh folks, I did not like this which is a SHAME because it has me written all over it. Championing arts education! Teaching through kindness! Listening to young people! It's abundantly clear that Andria Zafirakou is a gifted educator, and I have no doubt she made countless impressions on her students' lives over her teaching career. And, of course, I consider so passionate of an arts educator an ally; I deeply appreciate her widespread advocacy for the arts in schools.

But the book itself reads like a combination of teacher inspiration / student trauma porn. I can't help but think these are not her stories to tell (and I question whether consent from the young people featured was ever gained?). Moreover, these "case studies" seem to me to advance the troubling narratives that [1] teaching is a calling and [2] teaching is saviorship, and they further rely on the assumption that school is point-blank good. If we're not willing to critically interrogate the profession, I think we've already lost sight of the point.

[Tony S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious to read this especially with all the changes and challenges that the curriculum in England has faced over various political administrations. I was not disappointed by the book. It should, in my opinion, be essential reading for anyone coming into the profession and compulsory for those taking training.
Having also worked in Inner City Schools this gives a great insight into what teaching in these areas is like and the rewards that come with it. It is nice that the profession is recognised as not just about teaching but being a social worked, therapist and "guardian" to many.
This book truly inspires and those that know the profession should read it and every new government Education Secretary should be forced to read it and maybe things would improve for so many children in this Country.
I can not recommend this book enough not just for teachers but everyone that wants to gain an insight into life in Inner City Britain

[Debbie Handslip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was inspired. Really I was. I have been considering on a daily basis, how I can be a more worthy teacher. I really do, however, feel uncomfortable with prizes. It feeds into the meritocracy that I feel is wrong with our educational system. It celebrates those who are not just quietly getting on with the job on hand. A rare quality these days to be quiet? However, this plucky, bold strong lady will put the winnings to good use. Great. Why can we just not be better funded? The stories of the children were humbling. It is about them. So, yes, I am pleased for her, for those who benefit. I just can't help but think of all those gentle, unassuming souls making an enormous difference to the lives of those in their care; the masses providing solid foundations where they can, rather than the singled out one.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars | “There was no eureka moment when I decided to be a teacher; it was as if the idea was engraved into my bones from the very beginning - there was nothing else I would be.”

A beautiful and inspiring ode to teachers and the importance of education. Through stories from her classroom and her own life, Zafirakou demonstrates the ineffable power and importance of education and the arts.

It was gasoline to the fire that was already inside me to be a teacher - truly a brilliant read.

[Malene · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone with an interest in our education system, either as a part of it or from "the outside" as a parent. Inspirational and honest, the message about we best look after young people during their education is extremely poignant. If only our political leaders would take note.

[Aaron Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational read. Zafirakou's writing really captured the essence of teaching and reminded me of both the beauty and the struggles of the profession. A tiny gripe I had with the book was that its chapters meandered a bit at times and the anecdotes raised sometimes did not lead to a particular theme or overarching idea.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Oh. My. God!!!
I cannot express how much I love this book!!!

I am currently in my 8th year of secondary school teaching, and have worked in three schools (including my PGCE year) all incredibly different. All have different pros & cons.
This book resinated so much with me. I loved the anecdotes and stories of particular students. I find there are always students that stand out and stay with you long after they leave the school and move on - I have many students like this, so it was super interesting to read about Zafirakou's student experiences.
I am also a teacher of creative arts - drama. A lot of Andria Zafirakou's opinions about how the government have left the arts in the lurch in schools I completely agree with!

I couldn't get enough of this book, and will be recommending this to all my teaching colleagues. I read an electronic copy of this book but will be buying a hard copy to keep on my shelf for times when I am seeking inspiration. This book will remind you why you got into teaching in the first place, and will encourage others to think back to those special teachers from their school days.
I adored this book!!!
It will stay with me for a long long time!

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this so much, I wish I'd had a teacher like Andria!

[Nikki Philipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened upon this book at the library and - being a teacher myself - was instantly intrigued. I read the whole book in a few hours and I feel it should be on every teacher’s reading list. And every trainee teacher’s. In fact, just anyone who works with children. And actually, any parent with a child in school.

This book reads like a memoir detailing Andria’s teaching career to winning the Global Teacher Prize and the birth of her charity, Artists in Residence. I had no idea that there were areas of London that spoke as many as 100 different languages, 80 of those being spoken at Andria’s school. My teaching experience is mainly from middle class areas so it was a total contrast to Andria’s experiences in Brent, but the stories she shares about her students give real insight into their struggles within the education system. Don’t get me wrong, I knew about the hardships suffered by schools, staff and students in inner city areas, but having had very little direct experience myself this was certainly an illuminating read. It also reminded me of why I enjoy my job and made me reflect on my own experiences and practices. I, personally, would love to create more creative experiences in the curriculum and I feel lucky that I work in a school that values the whole child, and not just results. I aspire to always work in that way.

I also feel like Andria highlighted a lot of issues without being overly political. Any teacher will instantly relate to the points she raises, but she keeps the students experiences and progress at the heart of her writing. Sadly, not all of the students have their “happy ever after” (that we know of) but many of them do thanks to this amazing woman and her school. Overall, the experiences in this book are truly humbling.

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!
We begin by recognising our Author's initial time after winning her award, and then we are led through a treasure trail of experiences and students she has both helped, or they have helped her in equal measure.
It's a book about focusing on the child as a whole (holistic approach) rather than just focusing on their failures in school. By helping out just a little it's amazing the impact a teacher can have on a pupil.
This book grants a heartbreaking awareness of just how close to home poverty is, and how we should all be mindful of everyone's situation and feelings, whether they choose to share them or not.

Thank you!

[Calypso]

Δεν είναι κριτική, απλώς κάποιες σκέψεις και σημειώσεις που θέλω να κρατήσω από το βιβλίο.
Μιλαει για την εκπαίδευση γενικότερα και ότι είναι λειτούργημα να είσαι δάσκαλος, τις δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζουν οι δάσκαλοι, τις αλλαγές που έχει κάνει η βρετανική κυβέρνηση στο curriculum και πως αυτές επηρεάζουν τα σχολεία/δασκάλους.
Ειδικότερα εστιάζει στην τέχνη (art teacher) και κάθε κεφάλαιο είναι κι ένα περιστατικό από μαθητές της, τι την δίδαξε το κάθε ένα από αυτά τα περιστατικά, πως η τέχνη βοήθησε τα παιδιά.
Chapter one: Alvaro-electively mute
Chapter two: Mohammed Abdul - very poor, his family migrants, couldn’t afford anything, would always get expelled due to lack of uniform. Andria buys him a new one and from then on his attitude changes for the best, he wasn’t so disruptive
Chapter three - story time of how she got the job at Alperton
Chapter four - examples of two students that were disruptive/wouldn’t study that she had to call their parents into the school and upon seeing their parents their attitude changed. Another child again very poor without uniform, kind of neglected by the family due to mum working crazy hours. Teachers have become the front line in terms of safeguarding concerns. Another girl wouldn’t attend art class because she had to go home to cook (many families that live with 2-3 other families have a rota system for using the kitchen to cook the whole day’s food)
Chapter five - Alex Hopper: special educational needs, severely dyslexic, very aggressive behaviour. One day the whole class was talking about how wonderful a painting of his was and from then on he transformed. For the first time in his life he had felt that he was as good as any other kid. Two examples of students whose first language was not English
Chapter six - animal Kapoor: A* student but socially she struggled. She shared the bedroom with her entire family. This is common among many poor families, they share a 3 bed house with three more families! In cases like that a quiet place to study is near impossible. Her parents wouldn’t let her sit for Art GCSE she did it secretly. (That was the case for the author as well). So Binal didn’t take Art in her A levels. After a couple of years that she had entered uni, she contacted Andria, she told her that she was miserable because even though she did what her parents wanted her to do, she still wanted to study art. So she dropped medicine and went on to study art. Another similar case was Geeta, she was a brilliant artist but when Year 12 started she was absent because she got married.
Chapter seven - Gemma: wild girl, impossible to control, she was in foster care. For all her mouth, though, she had a decent moral compass. She helped kids who were vulnerable, who were defenceless and isolated. And she always admitted when she was wrong. She was severely dyslexic and barely able to read or write, but she was a brilliant artist. One day police came at the school and arrested her because there was footage that Gemma physically assaulted another girl at the weekend.
Chapter eight - talks about female genital mutilation and radicalisation
Chapter nine - social media, addiction to video games
Chapter ten - example of a NQT who didn’t deliver good lessons so he took a break until he became better at teaching and then got the QTS. Πολύ σημαντική η μεταδοτικότητα του δασκάλου
Chapter eleven - she starts narrating how she got nominated for the teachers award, the whole backstory. “More often I have witnessed the positive impact of giving kids access to the arts. I have seen children who have been unlocked form silence or trauma thanks to the power of putting paint on canvas. I have met many artists from the most disadvantaged backgrounds who have gone on to study the arts at university because free school clubs have them the opportunity to learn their craft. I have seen SEND children express themselves in a picture in a way they can’t with words. I have seen how their self esteem has grown, how they can find in an art room a sense of belonging, how a talented year 7 student can sit alongside a year 11 student and the two of them can communicate on a different level because they are both good at art. I see that camaraderie between them. I see confidence and communication skills grow. I see children putting themselves forward in other school departments. I see happier kids.”
Chapter twelve - αφηγείται πως ίδρυσε την μη κερδοσκοπική οργάνωση (charity ο αγγλικός όρος) artists-in-residence.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andria Zafirakou was the recipient of the 2018 Global Teacher Prize and her book, 'Those Who Can, Teach', chronicles her journey from growing up in the London Greek-Cypriot community to life as an Art & Textiles teacher in Brent to winning teaching's answer to the Nobel Prize. Zafirakou's love of her job shines through every single sentence and her passion for supporting youngsters to reach their potential makes this an enjoyable and inspirational read.

The book starts in the days following Zafirakou's big win. The reader is then taken through a highlights reel of her life and career to date, each episode poignantly written to bring her school and students to life on the page. The vignettes of different pupils, and how Zafirakou impacted on their lives, are heart-warming and heart-breaking in equal measure. Regardless of any students flourishing in their A-levels or pursuing a career as an artist, we are reminded of key research around deprivation and poverty experienced by young people in this country and starkly shown the impact of this on individual student's lives. It is a sobering reminder that despite inspirational teachers like Zafirakou existing, the odds are stacked against the profession who strive to go above and beyond to keep students safe and well.

Zafirakou has fulfilled a number of roles in her career and clearly has found the most satisfaction from being responsible for the pastoral needs of her students. It is the short section when she was the teaching and learning lead which made me feel slightly uncomfortable - we are told of teachers who Zafirakou realised could not cut it in the profession or at her school and how her difficult conversations with them helped them to move on. Whilst this is a reality in an incredibly tough job, I would have liked to hear about those trainee teachers who struggled but have become inspirational in their own right - where is the optimism for the quality of our incoming teachers to the profession?

Overall, of course I admire Zafirakou and the huge impact she has had on her community and beyond (with her charity Artists in Residence). She cares deeply about her students, classroom and community and is an excellent example to shine a light on the importance of teachers in the lives of students. My main reflection on this book was a reminder of why I am a teacher and have motivated me to continue to work hard for my students.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Peter Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very compelling and beautiful book about teaching that I think everybody should read, not only teachers. Though I felt the Author went into a little too much detail when talking about her students (unless she used pseudonyms to refer to them) the point of this book is to explain how art classes can be positive for the wellbeing of students and so this was necessary for it to work. I have a very deep respect for Andria Zafirakou as it's clear she cares very deeply about her students and, from the sounds of it, she's done a great deal of work in the education sector to ensure children have access to the arts. The prize money she received for her exceptional teaching work largely went back into education through the founding of a charity and I'd like to think any other teacher would do the same. It further demonstrates the British Governments lack of care for education funding and how this often falls short of prior promises, just as with the NHS.

I took a lot away from this. Getting through to students can take an extended period of time and, within that, it's very easy to get discouraged. However, it's the teachers job to never give up and persevere through all difficulty. The student should get a fresh slate every lesson, they should be challenged and supported and their prior mistakes shouldn't matter. There is always reasoning behind challenging behaviour and if it's tackled correctly, the student will eventually open up and actions can be take to put things right. Sometimes, all it takes is for them to understand that their work and their efforts are valuable, and that positive reinforcement is at the core of motivating kids that have lost the belief in themselves.

[Katie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a wonderful, truly inspirational book. I was thrilled to get the chance to read Andria's story after reading more about her in a Sunday newspaper supplement a few weeks ago. Andria's book delves into her entry into teaching and her experiences teaching at a multicultural school in Brent, London. Two things stood out for me in this book. The first is Andria's love of teaching art; making her classroom a colourful and inspiring place to be in, sending pupils home with folders full of art supplies and unlocking incredible creativity in pupils. Secondly the stories of the pupils Andria has chosen to share. These have really opened my eyes as to what is happening in schools across the country and how teachers can help make such a difference. I am in awe of Andria and also my own friends who are teachers. I'm also impressed by the fact that Andria stands her ground on what she believes in educationally. She is upfront about disagreeing with the Education Minister's call for 'Silent corridors' and explains why she thinks it's a bad idea.

I wish the arts had been taken seriously when I was at school .I admire and welcome Andria's drive to continue to shout from the rooftops about the importance of the arts in schools. I loved this book and as a mother with two primary age children, it's given me lots of ponder and think about. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for ARC.

[Hamish Grable · Rating 3 out of 5]

#thosewhocanteach by @andriazaf #andriazafirakou @bloomsburypublishing #bloomsburypublishing
…
Zafirakou’s text allows the reader to spend time with some of her pupils past, present and future
…
Her passion for art, learning and education is so prevalent and used as a tool to understand how authentic listening and curiosity in young people is the key to unlocking their potential, even amongst the many hardships
…
The text relies on case studies of students to illustrate, for instance, the impact of social media, of poverty, of mental health or learning difficulties on young people today. At times, I wanted to more depth to around the hardships faced by the students and staff to support the development of skills to lead in such challenging circumstances; at times if felt somewhat rushed over the various hardships faced by her students
…
Resonantly, Zafirakou makes a plea to the reader to remind them about the responsibility of teachers and the education system to foster a love of learning, as clearly learning doesn’t stop when we graduate from school
…
Furthermore, she proclaims upon reflection of her own experiences as a student and teacher that it is the values of kindness and commitment that most resonate with fond memories of educators, which should be transferred into our own personal and professional lives
…
A great read, which will resonate with everyone about the impact of teachers on our lives
…
Have you #read this #book? What did you think?

[Donn Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected find at my local library, and one I didn’t think I’d enjoy as much as I did. Many of the stories were very inspiring and I would be lying if I said they didn’t make me want to try my own hand at being an educator (which in all honesty I see as a likely second career).

It was slightly depressing though, as I read about the difficulties of getting the arts more highly regarded. Because on the one hand, I see its benefits. But on the other hand, as a career… let’s just say that if it was my child who chose the arts over STEM I’d probably be more than a little upset. In terms of economic output, in my mind the the expected lifetime income from one vs. the other is night and day. Not only is the pay generally lower, but the probability of complete failure is higher too(? — I’m guessing this point but anecdotally it seems to be true.)

And in this world of ours, it’s difficult to make it make sense. I live art, but why does it need to be my child doing it and not some other artistic child genius? I really wish our world didn’t emphasise money as much as it did, because if it didn’t the importance and value of art would be a given. But it does. Would I be willing to take such a risk?

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm neither a parent nor a teacher, but our education system still affects me. I pay taxes that support it and I see the outcomes in the society around me.

Zafirakou makes a compelling case for the arts and their value in schools even as they are squeezed out of the curriculum and left in the margins, reliant on the phenomenal goodwill and commitment of staff. When exam results and league tables are king, rather than safeguarding kids' wellbeing and producing rounded, responsible citizens.

Reading the stories and life challenges of her students in a poor north London school is an eye-opener.

This book should be thrust into the hands of everyone who thinks teachers have it easy or that their holidays are too long; who thinks that art, music, sport are a waste of time when kids should be learning to read and write; who has never had to go to school without breakfast or bunk off school because it's their family's allotted time to use the shared kitchen to cook their meals for the week; who expects kids to just behave in lessons without understanding that they need to be engaged with.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be compulsory reading for anyone wishing to apply for teacher training, be it as a degree course with QTS or a PGCE. Although it refers to secondary education the dialogue, inspirational and real life stories make it compulsive reading. Having worked in other sectors and teaching, yes I left for reasons detailed in the book. My admiration for those still teaching at all levels is immense. Honest and shows that teachers do not just stand at the front and impart knowledge but are crucial for the development of the pupils in their care emotionally and as a whole person. League tables and exam results are not the only indicator of how a school is doing. Safe guarding, pastoral care and communication are key and this book totally nails it. Listen to the narrative, talk to teachers and hopefully one day we will stop trying to make everyone fit in to one box instead of celebrating their differences and unique abilities and stories

[Katie Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you @netgallery, the author and the publishers of this book for the e-ARC of this book. Those who know me, know I am a part time cover teacher, when I am not in lectures, and am considering a full-time career as a teacher. So when I saw this on NetGallery, I thought this would be a good read.
Andria has always wanted to be a teacher, until she walks into her first placement and sees distributive and unmotivated kids, broken windows and more.
You’d think this would be the end of her dream – but no, she somehow gets the same kids involved and handing homework in on time.
Including arguments with government about the loss of creative subjects like textiles and art, we see an interesting insight on how kindness can go a long way.
From teaching a graphic design lesson to an uncooperative group of teenagers and then going on to inspire them, to getting a kid’s mum to drag him into a holiday session.
I absolutely loved this account of teaching.

[Naimal Azad Kastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. The stories of students were so inspiring. Being a teacher myself, I feel so proud and honoured to be in the field of education and giving it my all. I’m excited to apply the strategies and techniques I’ve learned from this book to my own teaching style, hoping to make positive and impactful changes in my students lives.

For students: “So, to all the students all over the world, whatever your circumstances, whatever your troubles, please know that you have the potential to succeed in whatever your dreams may be and that is a right that no one should take away from you”

For teachers: “ If you offer students a subject, if you inspire them by giving them the tools to learn and teach them in an original and captivating way, they will not only come to your subject, but they will excel in it”

[Melissa Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during my holidays in two afternoons. It was so compelling! As a teacher and researcher in early years education I am very familiar with a lack of government support and investment not only in children but in teachers and in the arts. Andria makes teaching more than just a ‘respectable’ profession. She makes it inspiring, noble and exciting. I am currently living and working in north London so it was even more meaningful. Thank you Andria for sharing your style, passion and achievements!

[chris rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pleasant insight into the tribulations of an inner-city art teacher. Tremendous insight into the multitude of extra roles teachers undertake outside of teaching. Social worker, nurse and mentor.
I enjoyed this book very much, primarily because it inspired me to continue my quest to become a teacher and to appreciate the many additional roles a teacher undertakes to truly take care of their kids.

[Roy Whymark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book. A fantastic insight into the huge challenges but real fulfilment that comes with being a teacher in Britain today. And a powerful argument for why arts are so important for school children, and the need for Government to invest so all children have a good chance of working in the arts as adults (the fact the arts are so dominated by the privileged should be a source of national shame).

Would highly recommend this book.

[Alizée Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read that brought me goosebumps and tears at several points. You don't learn so much about the British education system, for me the book delves more into the psychology of those who create positive change - a relentless drive, the courage to operate beyond the established rules despite criticism, a selfless heart.

[Millie Barrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible read all buzzing teachers must read! It covers the hardships and reality of challenges teaching can bring, from the importance of safe guarding, free school meals initiative, each story which hit the reality of the lives our young people experience, sparked the fire in me to teach even more.

I can only hope I’ll be half as good of a teacher as Andria, she is a true inspiration.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful read that serves as a good reminder of why us teachers are much more than some job description. I loved the experiences Andria shared in her book, and they inspire me to take different teaching approaches when the situation calls for it. Incredible story!

[LilyRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this the same week as the Britain's Strictest Headteacher was on TV, what an interesting contrast of 2 different approaches to education! I myself am about to begin my PGCE and found the stories in this book are wonderfully inspirational.

[ST · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool book, great stories, power of art in education.

[Alex Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful reflection of being a teacher and all that comes with it.