1st Edition
Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom How Teachers Turn Challenges into Opportunities for Impact
How can educators find joy in the midst of seemingly overwhelming challenges? Researcher Julie Schmidt Hasson interviewed hundreds of people about their most impactful teachers and shares her findings in this unique and powerful book. She lays out a three-step process that leads to greater peace, and greater impact on students.
This three-step framework involves pausing, pondering, and persisting. First, teachers pause before reacting to an unexpected challenge, so they can intentionally choose a response. Next, they suspend assumptions and approach the challenge from a place of curiosity. Finally, they persist in this dance of patient inquiry and thoughtful responses in a way that leads to better outcomes for students.
The stories integrated throughout the book provide evidence of the many ways teachers make a difference in students’ lives. It is a challenging time to be a teacher, and this book provides the inspiration and information teachers need to stay longer, grow stronger, and continue making an impact.
Biography
Julie Schmidt Hasson, Ed.D. (@JulieSHasson) is a professor in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University. Julie’s research on the impact of a teacher is the topic of a TEDx talk and is the focus of her engaging professional development programs. She founded the Chalk and Chances project, a vehicle for elevating and celebrating teachers, in 2017.
"Pause, Ponder and Persist elicits the question, as an educator, what will be your legacy? Dr. Hasson shares poignant stories that highlight the magic that happens when teachers choose connection and curiosity in lieu of assumptions and judgment. The thought-provoking questions and practical examples at the end of each chapter provide tools for a seamless integration of this framework into practice. The book serves as a beautiful (and timely) reminder that teachers have the incredible ability to influence a child’s life through ordinary moments."—Jen Rafferty, TEDx speaker and Founder of Empowered Educator
"Master storyteller Julie Hasson has put her heart into this manuscript guaranteed to supercharge those of us called to be educators. Whether you feel like you are burning the candles at both ends and about to burn out or you're just looking for a multi-vitamin of renewed courage, optimism and hope, this gem will help you harness the power of a three-pronged energy source (Pause. Ponder. Persist.) and leverage it as a lifeline. Put this self-awareness empowerment tool at the top of the list for your next faculty book study."—Barbara Gruener, Educator, Speaker, Author of Mr. Quigley’s Keys
"In Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom, Dr. Julie Hasson masterfully connects personal stories, academic research, and practical execution in schools. The result is an educator’s manual for improvement that is as clear in its analysis as it is empathetic in its delivery. The challenge in Julie’s message is that we must reflect on our own behavior to create a great experience for students. And the hope in Julie’s message is that each challenge we face is a special moment where we can be our best for them."—Ryan Estrellado, Educator, Data Scientist, Author of The K–12 Educator’s Data Guidebook: Reimagining Practical Data Use in Schools
"A must read for all educators! Julie possesses the unique art of using a novelistic approach to writing findings from research. Three powerful recommendations for us all: pause, ponder, and persist—and now, there's a book with practical actions and personal reflections for making that happen!"—Dr. Nancy Sulla, Creator of the Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classroom, author, founder of IDE Corp. and EdQuiddity Inc
"Julie Hasson's Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom is well-timed wisdom for all educators to experience. Julie's warm words and sincere insights resonated with me as I savored each page. All educators need to take the time to reflect on impact and Julie is an empathetic guide. Take this book and cherish the time to reflect on practice, impact, and next steps. Her words will inspire you to elevate your actions in service and support of all learners."—Sean Gaillard, principal, author, podcaster
"Educators often read books related to classroom management, education theories, or learning techniques. But Pause, Ponder, and Persist is a book that emphasizes the beauty and passion of education through self-reflection and embracing our challenges in the classroom. I identified with so many stories and anecdotes in this book as it guided me in how to overcome many challenges. A must read."—Dr. Angello Villarreal, Educator, ASCD Emerging Leader, JerseyCAN Teacher Leader Fellow
"In her book, Pause, Ponder and Persist, Julie brilliantly captures the complexities, challenges, and immense privileges of our wonderful profession. I am reminded that each and every interaction with students is valuable and has the potential to transform lives. In a time of constant change, we must remember to refocus on those that matter most, our wonderful students. This work is a breath of fresh air."—Mathew Green, Assistant Principal, Host of The Art of Teaching Podcast
