BOOK REVIEW: Humans In The Classroom: Exploring The Lives Of Extraordinary Teachers.

TITLE: Humans In The Classroom: Exploring The Lives Of Extraordinary Teachers
AUTHOR: Haili Hughes
PUBLISHED BY: McNidder And Grace.

Everyone remembers their favourite teacher, whether it be from Primary School or university. It’s that one person who you looked up to, the one who took time to explain things, the one who you could share a joke with, the one who made you feel accomplished.

The contributions in this book provide the other side of the story; with true life stories from people who decided on teaching as a career, their individual journeys and their reasons why. 

It is not only a celebration of teachers and the teaching profession, but also an insight into the personal lives of those who aspired to become teachers and those who fell into it without meaning to. Personal disclosures from teachers from diverse backgrounds makes a thoroughly interesting read with moving stories of their backgrounds, some very modest, along with down-to-earth experiences.

At a young age, students are totally indifferent to the lives their teachers may have outside of the classroom. This collaboration outlines the lives of teachers away from school, from even before they thought of teaching and as such renders them more human.

Excellent teachers can both influence and inspire students whilst others who are not so enabled can regrettably discourage and dispirit. Remarkably students may remember both, but those who nurtured and encouraged stay in the heart through the passage of time.

Having obtained my PGCE later in life and having experience of teaching and training teachers, I found this insight into the lives of those who became teachers very moving and could relate it to my own experiences.

This is an empowering assortment of stories which will inspire those reading and enjoying it to enter the education profession. I’m certain if it was a requirement for teachers to explain to their students the reasons why they decided on teaching as a career and described the personal twists and turns in life they’ve experienced, then more students would be encouraged to take up the profession.

Contributions are from: Kierna Corr, Kyle Kiser, Marco Cimino, Toni Charlesworth, Ash Lucas, Julie Cassiano, Drew Povey, Bretta Townend-Jowitt, Brett Bigham, Allen Tsui, Michelle Alker, Dan Whittaker, FreakyHoody, Natalie Scott, Adam Henze, Jess Mahdavi-Gladwell, Luke Haisell, Lesley Douglas, Gwen Mayor, Debbie Buchanan, Maureen McDevitt, James Atkin, Katherine Birbalsingh, Hugh Ogilvie, Victoria Hewett, Penny Rabiger, Joe Gibbs, Helena Jockel, Yolana Wassersug, Caroline Riggs, Rachael Maddocks, Christine Owen, Sue Rogers, Kate McAllister, John Clifford, Dan Morrow, Rita Pierson, Sarah Dearden, Caroline Spalding and Mathew Milburn.

Reviewer - Anne Pritchard