Why We Teach Now

by Sonia Nieto (Editor)

This book dares to challenge current notions of what it means to be a highly qualified teacher la No Child Left Behind, and demonstrates the depth of commitment and care teachers bring to their work with students, families, and communities. This sequel to Nietos popular book, Why We Teach, features powerful stories of classroom teachers from across the country as they give witness to their hopes and struggles to teach our nations children. Why We Teach Now offers us the voices of teachers like 42-year veteran Mary Ginley, who wonders, Why would anyone with any brains and imagination ever want to be a teacher? Who then answers her own question affirmatively, Its because somehow, even today, even with all the insanity, all the rules, all the poorly designed textbooks, all the directives to teach to the test, there are kids out there who need good teachers.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, School

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2014

About the author

Sonia Nieto is Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy and Culture at the College of Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA.

Reviews

[John Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this extraordinarily hard times for American teachers with its constant emphasis on testing and accountability, Sonia Nieto has put together a strong collection of essays by teachers who continue to fight the corporate agenda. Some essays I found weaker, but some were genuinely moving. It is nice to have these inspirational essays for those of trying to continue teaching in these hard educational times.

[Amanda K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why We Teach Now provides a number of essays and vignettes about the motivation, inspiration, challenges, and frustrations of being a teacher in America. The authors collectively respond to the title question, often justifying and framing their experience around the negative aspects of standardized tests, NCLB, and increasing demands placed on educators. The book highlights the difficulty of being a teacher as well as the need for qualified, social justice oriented educators. The individual pieces have various degrees of strength; yet, they are bookended by a rather negative introduction and epilogue that gives the book an ominous feeling. While it would seem that bright, critical-thinking young people, who can creatively transform the standards into meaningful lessons, is what the system needs, I am not sure that this book provides the much needed voice of encouragement.

[Pamalama Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for a masters class so take that into consideration.

I liked only a few of these essays with some bringing me to tears because I could relate to the struggles. Otherwise, I don’t think I would have finished this book if it hadn’t been required reading. I felt so e of the essays were almost preachy in the way of “I’ve done this, what have you done” and I didn’t care for that tone. I feel this book is only good as a text for classes and not a book to pick up off the shelf. I’m not saying it has to be a leisure read because it does have some inspirational stories, but it’s not one I would have chosen for myself.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important read for new/soon-to-be teachers. Much of the book is a selection of essays composed by teachers working in extremely different backgrounds; each coming together to explain why *they* continue to teach in a system that values high stakes test scores above all else.

All this book has done is affirm my aspiration/necessity to become a teacher in today’s climate. So so important.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed to read this when feeling imposter syndrome post-graduating from a teaching licensure program.

[Sofie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed several of the essays. Toward the end, I felt like it was getting repetitive and that there were too many that were not unique enough. Definitely still liked it.

[Reeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

edc 110 intro to american education