PRINCIPALS & PROFESSORS
In this collection of poems, Patti pays tribute to teachers everywhere for their unique and generative contributions to children and youth. With sensitivity and lyricism, Patti’s words paint visions that seem to peek into the corners of teachers’ souls. She colors us passionate, perceptive, and empowering; encouraging students to “take a confident step forward,” to “choose wisely, dream deeply, imagine wildly.”
To paint this canvas, Patti has “leaned in closely…listening with the volume turned all the way up” to teachers everywhere, who will recognize themselves in her pages. All will be gratified that she has reminded us of our most profoundly held conviction: we DO make a difference – each and every day.
Linda Ayres, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor, Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan
Touching, profound, and true, …and that is why we teach is a powerful collection of observations and reflections about teaching and teachers. Patti Graham takes us into the hearts and souls of teachers in this thought-provoking and inspirational celebration of those who devote their lives to nurturing the next generation. For anyone who has ever doubted the importance of teachers, this is a MUST READ!
Mary Bigler, Ph.D.
Professor of Teacher Education
Eastern Michigan University
Past President – Michigan Reading Association
International Speaker
Author, “Mary Bigler’s Lessons Learned”
Ypsilanti, Michigan
It is magical! Superbly written and thought-provoking. Will make you laugh and cry. A must read for anyone contemplating a career in education. Gave me goosebumps and a lump in my throat. A must read for all educators. The clarity of purpose is beautifully and passionately expressed. After my heart stopped fluttering and I could focus through my tears, I wanted to shout from a roof top --- Yes! Yes! Yes! This is the essence of a great teacher! An inspirational masterpiece that must be read by all. The passion emoted with such clarity and perception envelopes the reader…it is magical! An astonishingly passionate and heartwarming ode to great teachers. A series of incredible writings which give enormous insight into the specific. Characteristics and behaviors that great teachers exhibit. Passionate, touching, and though-provoking. This is a how-to book for creating a child-centered classroom. Authentic and passionate. This book is a keeper!
Mindy Moe-Kouris
Principal, Clifford H. Smart Middle School
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Commerce, Michigan
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Your spirit will soar as the pages of this quintessential book magically sweep you up and transport you along an inspiring, lyrical journey honoring a commitment to our multi-faceted roles as educators. If you listen carefully, intermingling within, you might even hear the pages whispering a gentle reminder of the endless possibilities yet to explore. Tenderly infused within the pages is a thought-provoking, reflective, and motivational essence, while Patti’s whimsical style resonates throughout the pages of her book and ensures an enchanting read. This delightful book will lift your spirits and fuel your passion. A captivating read for all teachers…Guaranteed to produce “shining eyes”!
Patti Schlaghack
1st Grade Teacher, Commerce Elementary School
Commerce, Michigan
While reading her book, I was reminded of why I became a teacher some 40 years ago. It made me feel good about myself and what teachers stand for. As I read Patti’s words, my thoughts returned to students and situations I experienced over the years. What beautiful memories they brought back. Patti’s book is one that I will read time and time again, and reflect on what wonderful people teachers are.
Roberta Balthazor
Retired Elementary Teacher, Alhambra
Schools
Phoenix, Arizona
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS
Patti unveils the secret of what teachers do in her whimsical, witty, and endearing style, that reminds us all of that one “special” teacher who truly touched our soul.
Catherine DeVries
6th Grade English and Math Teacher, Walnut Creek Middle School
West Bloomfield, Michgan
…and that is why we teach is a true inspiration to all teachers everywhere! Each page is filled with Patti’s creative force and is written in a charming, yet eloquent way that brings excitement, exhilaration, and energy back to the profession. Her sensitive book captures the spirit of teachers and validates the way we feel. I just love it!
Sheryl Stahl
6h Grade English Teacher, Clifford H. Smart Middle School
Commerce, Michigan
Thank you so much for writing this book. I LOVED IT! Patti has eloquently provided an authentic journey into the world of teaching. Teaching embodies every aspect of human life—it is emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual. This book captured what it is to be a teacher and why we have chosen this path. Thank you!
Katie Kalinowski
7th Grade English Teacher, Clifford H. Smart Middle School
Commerce, Michigan
Patti’s book is one that encourages those who are teachers, inspires those who will be teachers, and captures memories of those who were teachers. She encapsulates all of the qualities teachers possess as educators. Whether you teach children or adults in a private or public setting, this book will move you to strive higher and embody the true meaning of being a teacher.
Patti’s poetic style is graceful and thoughtful. She stirs the fantastic creativity inside us all with her writing. Thank you, Patti, for writing a book that helps all teachers answer, …and that is why we teach.
Krista Hanna
6-8 Grade Technology and English Teacher
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools -
Middle School level
Commerce, Michigan and Phoenix, Arizona
Adult Education, English Teacher (High School Completion)
Novi, Michigan
MEDIA SPECIALISTS
As a Media Specialist in a middle school library/media center. I often feel that I’m wearing many different “hats”, trying to serve over 1,000 students and 60 teachers, often doing a dozen things all at one time! Patti Graham’s book captured the myriad of ways in which all who work with students and other teachers perform so many different roles. Many of these roles go unnoticed by a casual observer. This book is a beautiful testimony to teachers everywhere. I believe every teacher will want to read this book again and again. This book is a valuable resource to everyone involved in the education of children and I give it my strongest recommendation!
Leslie Aulie
Media Specialist, Clifford H. Smart Middle School
Michigan Association for Media in Education
Commerce, Michigan
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS
What a delightful read...thank you for thinking of me and sharing your thoughts so early in your book's life. I found that, while your samples and examples are quite naturally from your grade school experiences; the thoughts and feelings described are universal to those of us immersed in working with kids. Your discussion of the power of a teacher being a REALLY GOOD listener holds just as true for a sophomore girl who is hurting as it does for a second grade boy who has a problem too big to handle by himself. A teacher's joy upon seeing her students succeed is the same whether the students are sixteen and mastering imaginary numbers or six and mastering addition. Take away the curriculum and our careers, from kindergarten through high school, have a commonality that this book lays bare and celebrates!
New teachers should read the "Teacher as a Mentor" section first...not only because it is so true, but because it is so powerful. As the section warns, once you have met your first class, your life will never be the same. Those kids will be with you- in your mind and heart - for the rest of that year and the rest of your life.
The book poignantly describes the many roles a teacher assumes and the lightning speed with which she must "change hats" while constantly reminding us that the most important things in teaching aren't things at all.
Mary Ann Tyranski
9-12 Grade Math Teacher, Walled Lake Western High School
Walled Lake, Michigan
STUDENT TEACHERS
As college students prepare to become teachers, we are so consumed with theories, laws, practice lesson plans, and tests – we often forget the true essence of teaching and why we chose that gracious path. After reading, …and that is why we teach, Patti’s profound and passionate words inspire and remind all of us of the true gift of teaching and caring! She prepares us for an emotionally strong, cheerful, and successful lifelong journey in the classroom. It should be read by all students who aspire to become a teacher—it is an absolute reading essential for all teachers, new and experienced.
Vanessa Bahoura
Student Teacher, University of Michigan
Dearborn, Michigan
PARENTS
This book should be on every parent’s must read list. My heart understands about teachers being compassionate care givers. I have witnessed first hand our children being wrapped in their loving kindness when they needed it most. Patti is contagiously enthusiastic and her writing is truly insightful. As a parent, I am thankful every day for those special souls who guide, inspire and educate our children. This book is a beautiful tribute to those who teach.
Sandy Richards
Parent
Director, Foundation for Excellence
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Walled Lake, Michigan
