Conversations with Great Teachers

"Smoot's precise questions and thought-provoking follow-ups capture the essence of teaching from those who do it best." ForeWord Reviews "Smoot seeks to capture the universal underpinnings that animate that mysterious mixture of art, science, and intuition that every effective teacher brings to his or her classroom. As these teachers try to describe the ways that they bring their students to understanding, whether that understanding is of history, surgery, acting or prison counseling, one cannot help but be moved by their creativity and passionate commitment." - Klingbrief "I have spent most of my adult life talking to great teachers. Every one of those interviews has been a delight. Read this fine book and you can get the same thrill." Jay Mathews, Washington Post education columnist and author of Work Hard. Be Nice: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America "Conversations with Great Teachers reads as a wonderful lesson from the heart about teaching, faith, humanity, and passion... Generous in scope, significant in voice... an invitation well worth saying yes to." Bodie Brizendine, Head, The Spence School, New York City "Rich with passion, knowledge, and story, this engaging collection of interviews not only illustrates ways teachers become great; it conveys the energy and care they bring to their calling." Sydney Lewis, oral historian and author (with Studs Terkel) of Touch and Go "A lifetime achievement... It is clearly conceived and written by a dedicated teacher who expertly interviews great teachers... An inspiring work of art." Susan Hoffman, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of California at Berkeley "Within these pages is a vast treasure of teaching wisdom... A deeply thoughtful and inspiring book." Robert Kunzman, author of Write These Laws on Your Children: Inside the World of Conservative Christian Homeschooling "In times of world struggle and conflict, what could we possibly need more than wise teachers? Bill Smoot's book is a labor of loving care and deep attention. A great gift for teachers and students everywhere and for the learning and hope which sustains us." Naomi Shihab Nye, Poet, writer, and educator "Bill Smoot has accomplished something quite extraordinary: he has interviewed master teachers from all walks of life and prodded them to reveal one secret after another. In so doing, he has opened a new door for all educators to improve their work with students... a must-read book for any teacher, regardless of the context in which you work. Highly recommended!" Grant P. Wiggins, President, Authentic Education and co-author of Understanding by Design