Teaching Matters: Motivating and Inspiring Yourself

by Todd Whitaker, Beth Whitaker

First published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Genres: Teaching

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take care of yourself and spread joy! <3

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Teaching Matters: How to Keep Your Passion and Thrive in Today's Classroom may be inspirational to teachers, but for others, it could be too judgmental and narrow-minded. Of course, it is great to build up egos and praise a job well-done, but not when it is at the expense of other professions. There were multiple put-downs of careers others have chosen and not being a teacher myself, I found this degrading and offensive.

Many of the suggestions or examples in the book are purely common sense. Most people would likely come up with the same ideas or steps that are outlined multiple times in the book. The entire book needs a red pen and an editor who is not afraid to use it. Concepts are repeated over and over, ad nausem...not sure why this is.

Having said all that...there are a few (not many) ideas in the book that take merit...you just have to get through all the other 150 pages to find them.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book because I loved Whitaker's book about what great teachers do differently, and I was hoping it would live up to its title. The only thing I got out of this book was how to make a workshop, inservice, or a classroom more inviting. I was not motivated or inspired. The author does use a very positive tone in this book as he does in his others. This one was not worth the money.

Edit: Bumped from 2 to 4 stars. Just read it a second time and loved it. I am now an instructional coach instead of a teacher, and I think it just spoke to me more in my current role.

[Brandy Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a WONDERFUL and inspiring book! I found it to be a cup filler, to say the least. Some key things I learned:
1) It is essential that every day we work to demonstrate how much we care for each student that we come in contact with.
2) Treat all students like you would treat your best students.
3) Those who can, teach. Those who can't, go into some much less important profession.
4) Great teachers come to work in a thank God it's Monday frame of mind.
5) Becoming a better learner will only make you a better teacher.

[Temoca · Rating 3 out of 5]

My principal gave it to me. It had some good reminders.