1st Edition
Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom The Remarkable Ways Teachers Shape Students' Lives
Everyone remembers their favorite teacher, but why? What makes some teachers so memorable? Julie Schmidt Hasson spent a year interviewing people about teachers who’ve shaped their lives, and the result is this captivating book. She shares stories that are both inspirational, highlighting the ways a teacher’s actions can make a lasting impact, and also informational, providing models to help teachers make a more consistent impact on the students they serve.
Chapters cover topics such as commitment, vulnerability, power, connection, expectations, community, identity, and equity, while underscoring the importance of making students feel safe, seen, and stretched. In each chapter, the author brings you along as she conducts interviews and hears emotional stories. She also offers practical takeaways and applications for educators of all levels of experience.
With this uplifting book, you will be reminded that your seemingly ordinary interactions in the classroom have extraordinary implications, and that you indeed have the power to influence students’ lives – each and every day.
Introduction; 1: Lessons on Commitment; 2: Lessons on Vulnerability; 3: Lessons on Power; 4: Lessons on Connection; 5: Lessons on Expectations; 6: Lessons on Memorable Moments; 7: Lessons on Community; 8: Lessons on Identity; 9: Lessons on Overcoming; 10: Lessons on Equity; 11: Lessons on Generativity; 12: Lessons on Impact; Epilogue; References
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.
"Julie takes us on a reading journey honoring lessons that extend past the walls of classrooms and over the course of time. A beautiful celebration of teachers, stories, and the power of human connection!"
—Dr. Jennifer Williams, Executive Director Take Action Global, Professor, Author, Teacher
"Julie Hasson says that this book is 'a token of gratitude to the teachers who shaped my life and as a love letter to the profession that continues to captivate me.' But Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom is so much more than gratitude and love for educators; it is a boost of inspiration. It is a reminder of our why—why did we want to be teachers? I bet many would say it wasn't about sharing content; it was that we wanted to positively impact the lives of our students. We wanted to make a difference. In a time when education and educators are under a microscope, Julie reminds us of our value, our impact, and the joy of teaching. Thank you, Julie, for this well-crafted research and for your beautiful storytelling to help teachers gain insight and confidence in their WHY."
—Laura Grundler, Visual Arts Coordinator and co-creator of #K12ArtChat & K12ArtChat the Podcast, Plano, Texas
"There are certain teachers each of us will never forget, but what exactly makes them memorable? Julie Hasson's book, Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom: The Remarkable Ways Teachers Shape Students’ Lives is an amazing collection of true stories about seemingly ordinary teachers who left a lasting impact on their students. Hasson does a deep-dive, researching the qualities that extraordinary teachers possess, while inspiring and uplifting new and veteran teachers alike! I highly recommend this book for all educators."
—Jenn Larson, The Teacher Next Door
"Julie Hasson takes you on a powerful journey on the life-changing work of our teachers. Reading Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom will be the catalyst for much reflection on the impact our teachers make every day. This is a must-read book for educators at all levels to explore the stories Julie Hasson expertly weaves into a resonating tapestry on our noble profession. Hasson's work is what our profession needs to uplift and inspire all educators."
—Sean Gaillard, principal, author, podcaster
