BRANDON WESTLAKE

“Nelson’s story is opposite of mine; I started in public school and moved to a Catholic school. Her stories resonated with me, as I have had the same struggles, challenges, and successes as she has. Nelson is a voice of honest encouragement. Teaching is a tough job, and there are many people who think that just because they have made it through school, that they know what good teaching is and how to do it. Wrong.

Nelson’s heart shows throughout her daily stories, some mundane and trivial, some larger. No matter what, these interactions with students have lasting impacts upon them. Oftentimes, I have former students come back to remind me of events/lessons/information that stuck with them but quickly left my mind as unimportant. She is a testament to the idea that we never truly know as teachers what kind of impact we have on our students.

I’m not sure exactly who Nelson was writing for, but I can imagine many teachers who feel burned out, who are questioning whether what is going on in their classrooms are the right actions and learning. I would recommend this book to them. Her voice, her stories, her passion comes through in a tone that speaks to colleagues, saying “it’s not perfect, but it’s making a difference.”

DESIREE TROTT

“As a teacher I’m always interested in others experiences and thoughts. It’s good for those new to our profession to see that no one is a perfect teacher right away. It takes times to find your stride and your style.”