The Power of a Teacher

by Adam Sanez

Remember? YOU WENT INTO EDUCATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Whether you are searching for a reason to believe or you just need a hope-filled reminder, the bottom line is that you do have tremendous power to make a difference. Dr. Saenzs The Power of a Teacher is the result of years of research and professional development conducted in school districts nationwide. Between the covers of this book you will find unique encouragement and an accessible wellness guide designed specifically for teachers to nurture peak-experience teaching. In The Power of a Teacher you
- Develop wellbeing! Take Dr. Saenz 50-item Teacher Wellness Inventory to identify strengths and weakness in the occupational, emotional, financial, spiritual and physical areas of your life. Each chapter is loaded with practical action steps to increase your wellbeing.
- Get connected! The Power of a Teacher is filled with discussion questions to create interaction and dialogue between you and your colleagues. Build the support and accountability you need to live and teach well.
- Be inspired! Read the stories of real people whose lives were changed by real teachers.

Genres: Education, Teaching

143 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2012

Reviews

[Olivia Porter-Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Does my teacher care about me? Can I make my own rules?”

I hope that the answer to these two questions, from my students, is always: Yes and no.
I enjoyed hearing Dr. Saenz speak at our opening day of school. What you do, what you say, how you act... it all does matter.

[Pattisue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a book study with a group of fine arts teachers. As we read, studied, and discussed, Saenz’s book gave us a lot to think as we explored one chapter each month.

My favorite part of the book was the author’s own experiences and reflections as a disrespectful, antagonistic preteen and the experiences that stopped his downward progression. “I found in those blank pages [of my journal] my only truly safe place to be honest—to be me.” Saenz includes his insights as a school psychologist in each chapter as he explores various aspects of teacher wellbeing.

I also appreciated the inclusion of “Jennifer’s ‘unbalanced teacher.blogspot.com’” posts. I found myself relating to her experiences. As a newer teacher, I predict that I will relate to different chapters in this book as I continue my teaching career.

The self assessments are particularly useful for self reflection. Saenz packs this slim handbook, a brief 142 pages, with wisdom, insight, and encouragement. Teachers make a difference in their students’ lives, but it is vital to care for yourself.

[MaryMargaret Norton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I looked into reading this book last year after the author came and spoke at my school. I decided against reading it for several reasons. The author is older and school classrooms have changed so much. I really don’t think what he has to say reflects the current teaching situation.

However the school district required me to read this book in 2022 on my own time. This right here is the main problem. School districts requiring teachers to complete required stuff without any incentives or without us desiring to do so. I was told I had to read this book when I came back for the new school year. If the district had allowed me to read it as a part of my required 30 hours pd over the summer, maybe I wouldn’t have been so frustrated. I was also told that I will have reading questions about the book that I am required to answer!

I am a professional educator. I read a lot. I can choose how to continue my education.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is worth every moment of the read. If you have heard this man present he is phenomenal. This is a wonderful self help book for teachers. It will not disappoint.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, its very inspiring.

[Becki De Los Santos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read it for work. It was pretty boring, not engaging and all pretty common sense stuff.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I had the opportunity to hear the author. Speak, he gave a great presentation to match his book.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for teachers or anyone who needs more balance in their lives.

[David Orphal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher Appreciation Week starts Monday! How am I going to appreciate all of the great teachers in my life? Well, among other things, I'm going to read something inspiring! I saw Saenz speak in Sacramento at the Educating for Career Conference - Loved Him!

Finished Saenz's book by the end of the week. Perfect timing. What could have been a typical self-help book (eat better, exercise, take care of your spiritual and emotional self) was in fact a loving gift.

Saenz shares his personal story of transformation from a middle school drug user and trouble-maker into a world-class counselor. He lays the credit at the feet of three of his teachers.

Rather than lionize these three as ready-for-filming super teachers and rather than compare them to the "bad" teachers out there, Saenz takes a serious look at how teachers burn out.

Our calling is demanding. It's easy for good teachers to neglect their own physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual health as the focus totally on trying to meet the needs of their students.

Sprinkled with appreciative stories by folks who were deeply inspired by their teachers, Saenz offer sensible advice for educators to look at the balance and wellness in their own lives.

We need to take care of ourselves so that we have the resources to take care of our students.

[Jessica Burning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read for teachers wanting to find balance in their lives.

[Imma G Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read!