The Energy to Teach

by Donald H. Graves

Over the course of a year you and thousands of other teachers will spend countless hours with children and experience the full range of emotion associated with parenting. Every day you will be second-guessed by parents, administrators, and pundits who have never taught. Standardized tests will be mandated that try to govern the teaching transactions you make with children. It's no wonder that many teachers these days are feeling drained and it's no surprise that Don Graves is ready to offer his uncommon insight, unwavering support, and unbounded hope for the future. "The idea for The Energy to Teach ," Don relates, "began with the startling contrast I noted between much of the fatigue in the profession and the promised energy in curriculum." This led to eighteen months of extensive interviews, with educators and others across the country, beginning with the What gives you energy, what takes energy away, and what, for you, is a waste of time? Based on these interviewsplus Don's extensive experience as a teacher and researcher The Energy to Teach offers groundbreaking insight on how highly effective teachers deal with emotional demands, and how they gain help and support from their colleagues and administrators. It explains what gives them energy, how they handle energy-draining situations, and how they cope with this never-ending emotional roller coaster. What's more, Don offers proven-effective techniques. You'll discover how to find out exactly when energy is added, expended, or wasted; conserve more energy; build energy with colleagues; induce an energy surge when it's urgently needed; transform energy-draining situations into energy-giving events; and much more. Just as important, you'll find comfort and encouragement from someone who for two decades has served as a wise and compassionate mentor to thousands of educators. To learn more about Donald Graves, visit .

Genres: Education, Teaching, Adult, Professional Development, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2001

About the author

Donald Graves was one of the greatest voices of his generation, a plain spoken, thoughtful genius. He was an educator, a writer, an outspoken advocate for educational best practices. His death was a loss too great to put into words for people the world over, whether they were aware of it or not. A Professor Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire, Donald Graves, with the help of mentor Donald Murray and contemporaries like Lucy Calkins and Ralph Fletcher, revolutionized writing instruction in the U.S. with the widespread practice of practical workshop-based language arts instruction. In his decades at the forefront of writing instruction research, Donald offered numerous works that continue to shape the face of instruction today and for the foreseeable future.

Reviews

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Energy to Teach was...hum...interesting. While it was not a guide to make a teacher's life easier, it was a source of inspiration and encouragement. I was challenged to focus on what I love about my job and to release what I can not change. I felt challenged to follow my instincts as to what I know kids need and teach using methods I know to be effective. I was reminded that teachers are professionals, and they should not allow others (namely government) to tell them what kids need. We should always question in the name of those we teach..."How is this going to benefit Sally, Bil, or Tom?"

[BookChampions · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Donald Graves has me thinking about my whole life in terms of what gives me energy and what drains it. So helpful.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with Donald’s point of having to have outside projects. They truly do give you energy and a positive outlook on life.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that it was amazing how much this book, that was published quite a while ago, still applied to the world of teaching. It gave validity to everything that I have been thinking and feeling about my job. I love the kids, but I hate all of the garbage that I have to put up with. I wish that everyone who doesn't teach day to day would get out our classrooms! Inspiring that Donald Graves, who is somewhat iconic, felt the same way at times.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I saved this little gem for an end-of-summer read! Graves gives positive, uplifting, practical reminders about choosing what pumps you, as opposed to what drains you.
A timeless (copyright 2000) vitamin for teachers!

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it when I read it some years ago. All of Graves' work is interesting and inspirational, striking a good balance between research and narrative.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had heard good things about this book, but didn't find much of anything useful in it.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't be surprised if I return to chapters in this book annually. A great book for self-reflection and rejuvenation in regards to the profession of teaching.

[Brenda Kneeshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who teaches should read this book. Thank you Donald a Graves.