Teaching with Fire: Poetry That Sustains the Courage to Teach

Every grade and subject is included. Teachers from all walks share great stories about how certain poems are cherished and some prominently displayed to remind us all as to the WHY of teaching. And to give us courage to hold onto the ideal of what it means to teach and share what we have so others may learn and grow.

I absolutely treasure this book! For several years now, everywhere I give talks or do workshops on service-learning and civic education in higher education, I find an excuse to read a poem or two from this compelling collection of poetry. I think educators are yearning for renewal, and the combination of each poem along with a teacher's note on the meaning of the poem, strikes a chord. I know this, not only from audience reactions to my reading from the book, but also because I always get asked for the citation! I am always happy to recommend the book--(no one in higher ed has said to me they were not interested in the book, when I tell them the poems were selected by K-12 teachers). Suggestion for gift-giving: whenever it fits the occasion, it is a great present. It is also perfect for end-of-year giving for groups (appreciation gift for graduating seniors, recognition of teachers, thank you to participants in service-learning and community involvement programs, etc.).

I purchased this book for a friend who is leaving our office to go back to teaching. All of us here are former teachers. Each of us read through the book to find our favorite poem where we wrote our names and words of encouragement. OMG! We all want this book now and wish we could join her back in the classroom! Excellent poetry and wonderful teacher/educator introductions to each poem. Highly recommended for any teacher who also would enjoy poetry, English teacher or Science teacher...there is something to be taken away for any level or discipline.

I bought this book a while back for my oldest daughter who teaches high school English and Art. It was so awesome that I kept it for myself. (I have a naughty habit of reading all the books I buy as gifts before I give them away....does that make them used books?) My copy is quite dog-eared and worn.If you love poetry, you NEED this book. The poems are varied and inspiring and enlightening. I discovered many new poets whose books I just had to own after reading their poems here. It's an amazing anthology and would make a great gift to give any friend or loved one who enjoys poetry.

I bought this book as a thank you gift for a professor who has mentored me for many years including post college graduation. I decided to apply to graduate school and my former professor wrote me a letter of recommendation. I thought it would be an excellent gift as I received this book as a gift from a colleague. I love this book! I read from it often to college students and graduates that I work with; it is a great source of inspiration! I am sure you will love it too!

I gave this book a 5 star rating because it affirms my own experience in teaching, confirms my experiences and encourages the challenges that have come my way. This inspires me to continue for the fulfillment that always comes when a teacher can see the awakening that comes from the learner--eyes opened with understanding and a hunger for more; to grow, to learn, to change. Then the process begins again as the one now awakened begins to teach.

The book not only has poetry by many wonderful poets, the book is compiled by teachers of all paths who each have chosen a book that inspires them. They have also written a brief backstory as to why they selected the poem they did. As a yoga teacher I often share poetry with my classes, this book is always successful as there is something in it for everyone, the back stories are appreciated by all.

Gave this to a fellow teacher for a secret Santa gift. She loved it

This a delightful book filled with beautiful poetry that has been integrated into my work.