So many times I hear teachers (and myself) say, “I teach writing,” or “I teach 4th grade,” or “I’m a math teacher.” While this is true, we do teach content, I started thinking about what we really do all day in our classroom --- and it’s way beyond a particular subject or age of students. I wondered if anyone ever actually thought about the other “job titles” teachers have. Could they be described? I began giving voice to all those other hats teachers wear; the qualities, actions, behaviors, and beliefs that a great teacher must possess.
Suddenly, ideas poured out and this book materialized! A vivid picture began to emerge and I thought: No wonder teachers feel so busy every day! No wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed and need to stay after school for hours doing more and more and even more. No wonder people hear teachers say, “There just isn’t enough time in a day to do everything we need to accomplish!”
This book became a mission for me. I really wanted to celebrate and acknowledge the monumentally important job that teachers do---sometimes for little pay, sometimes for little appreciation, sometimes with sacrifice to their own personal life. And despite some of the challenges, teachers are doing what they love, and loving what they do. They are answering a calling. And they are very special people indeed! …and that is why I wrote this book!
Believe in yourself. Know anything is possible!
Patti
patti@pattigrahambooks.com
ILLUSTRATOR: Megan D. Wellman
Megan grew up in Redford, MI and currently resides with her husband, two Great Danes, and a cat in Canton, MI. She holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Eastern Michigan University with a minor in Children's Theater. Look closely and you will be able to see one of Megan's Great Danes, Chandler, in one of her illustrations. Megan's fourth book to illustrate is ...and that is why we teach. Her first three books are also available from Ferne Press.
PUBLISHER:
Ferne Press
An imprint of
Nelson Publishing & Marketing, LLC
366 Welch Road, Northville, MI 48167
248.735.0418
Nelson Publishing & Marketing website
