The Courage to TeachBy: Jenifer Phelan, SPU Librarian
Parker J. Palmer begins his book, “I am a teacher at heart, and there are moments in the classroom when I can hardly hold the joy.” According to Palmer, the desire to be a teacher is a true calling. Are you hearing that call? Or perhaps you are just considering the idea of finding out what it takes to be a teacher.
This book provides a glimpse into what teaching is really like. Palmer claims the core of good teaching is identity and integrity. He goes on to say that good teachers share one trait: “They are truly present in the classroom, deeply engaged with their students and their subject.” In our society today many may not feel a sense of hope. Palmer describes how teachers can and should teach from a hopeful heart. It is true having hope in your heart is powerful. Harness your power and explore a profession in teaching.
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Hometown: Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Expertise: Education and Remote User Services
What do you do as a librarian: I select and purchase books as and help students use Library resources effectively and efficiently. I also work to research and implement tools and resources for students to use outside of the Library, such as the chat reference service we just launched. This allows students to IM their questions to the reference librarian from wherever they study.
Favorite book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Best part about working at Seattle Pacific: Relationships. I really enjoy working at SPU because of the people and the sense of community. I feel like the faculty and staff at SPU work hard to create lasting relationships with the students and each other.
Hobbies: TiVo, technology, web design, keeping up with my toddler, yoga, and knitting.
Family: one husband, one son, two cats.
Meet more SPU Librarians.
This book provides a glimpse into what teaching is really like. Palmer claims the core of good teaching is identity and integrity. He goes on to say that good teachers share one trait: “They are truly present in the classroom, deeply engaged with their students and their subject.” In our society today many may not feel a sense of hope. Palmer describes how teachers can and should teach from a hopeful heart. It is true having hope in your heart is powerful. Harness your power and explore a profession in teaching.
Read more reviews.
Meet Jenifer Phelan
Hometown: Great Barrington, MassachusettsExpertise: Education and Remote User Services
What do you do as a librarian: I select and purchase books as and help students use Library resources effectively and efficiently. I also work to research and implement tools and resources for students to use outside of the Library, such as the chat reference service we just launched. This allows students to IM their questions to the reference librarian from wherever they study.
Favorite book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Best part about working at Seattle Pacific: Relationships. I really enjoy working at SPU because of the people and the sense of community. I feel like the faculty and staff at SPU work hard to create lasting relationships with the students and each other.
Hobbies: TiVo, technology, web design, keeping up with my toddler, yoga, and knitting.
Family: one husband, one son, two cats.
Meet more SPU Librarians.
