The Heart-Centered Teacher: Restoring Hope, Joy, and Possibility in Uncertain Times

by Regie Routman

Overview

Check out Regie’s video welcome  and companion website

How do we find hope and possibility in challenging times? How do we bring our truest selves into our teaching and personal lives? In this unique, inspiring book, beloved author Regie Routman artfully blends stories and strategies to show how we can introduce more joy and gratitude in our classrooms and in our lives.

Regie invites us to focus on what matters most in our work and in our relationships with those we hold dear. She shares ideas and practical takeaways for teaching, learning, and living:

• Seeing and celebrating each learner’s gifts and strengths
• Creating a storytelling culture
• Ensuring equitable opportunities for all
• Co-creating welcoming spaces and routines
• Developing professional knowledge
• Teaching up-and-coming readers and writers
• Fostering resilience and hope
• Taking care of ourselves and our students

"Here’s what I know for sure," writes Regie. "Living a good life is about developing, nurturing, and sustaining caring relationships—in our teaching lives, our home lives, and in the happy intersection of both." Wherever you are on your journey, no matter what loss or hardship you may face, The Heart-Centered Teacher will offer you a refreshing chance to pause, take a breath, and reflect on how you and your students can live more compassionate, generous, and authentic lives.

Bonus: A free Study Guide is provided at the Support Material link below so you can extend your learning independently or with colleagues.

Looking for the audiobook? The audiobook version is available on Audible and other retailers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032445502
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/11/2023
Pages:	294
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Regie Routman has more than 50 years of experience teaching, coaching, and leading in diverse, underperforming schools and classrooms across the U.S. and Canada. Her many research-based books and resources have supported hundreds of thousands of educators to create and sustain intellectual, joyful, and equitable school cultures where all learners can thrive. For full information on Regie’s books, articles, podcasts, videos, and resources, go to www.regieroutman.org and @regieroutman on Twitter.

Table of Contents

Gratitudes A Letter to Readers 1. Loving Our Students 2. Telling Our Stories 3. Promoting Equitable Opportunities 4. Co-creating a Joyful, Inclusive Culture 5. Developing Professional Knowledge 6. Championing the Reading/Writing Connection 7. Learning to Live with Loss 8. Revitalizing Our Lives Through Friendships 9. Becoming Our Truest Selves 10. Becoming a Significant Influencer Afterwords References, Resources, and Notes

Editorial Reviews

"Our Superintendent, Dr. Bob Taylor, and I (Jeanette Koh, Assistant Superintendent) are both awestruck by the empathy and the storytelling Regie weaves throughout her book on literacy teaching, learning, and living. That’s why we bought a copy of the book for every teacher and staff member in the district to inspire them going into the new school year and beyond.”

—JEANETTE KOH, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, WALNUT VALLEY USD, CA

"[Regie's book] helped me find my footing again in what matters most and why I teach...This book is nurturing and will help you find hope, joy, and gratitude in our classrooms. The book helps us reflect on building relationships first which will foster our learning communities. This book helps us navigate current topics in education; book banning, social emotional learning, and leveled books to name a few."

—MANDY ROBEK, THIRD-GRADE TEACHER 

“Regie Routman’s The Heart-Centered Teacher: Restoring Hope, Joy, and Possibilities in Uncertain Times is a must read for preservice and educators at all stages of their careers. It is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the profound impact that dedicated and compassionate teachers can have on the lives of their students. Through its blend of insight, inspiration, and practical guidance, this book has the potential to ignite a revolution in education—one that places the heart at the center of teaching and learning."

—DR. STACY A. GRIFFIN, ED.D., Book Review, The California Reader, May 2024

“I love this book! Regie’s stories connect us, teach us, cause us to reflect and think. They show us that much of what we are experiencing now we have lived before, and remind us of the best practices that must shine through. I take away hope, inspiration, and renewed energy for life and for the field of education. An inspiring book for all!”

—GAIL BOUSHEY, Teacher and Author

“Teacher professional development books are a dime a dozen, but Regie Routman has written a unique guide for educator personal development in the context of teaching and their lives outside of the classroom.  It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to stay in the field of education for the long haul.”

—LARRY FERLAZZO, Educator, Author, and Education Week Teacher Advice Columnist

“Regie Routman shares her unique and vulnerable perspective on teaching and life. As a reader, I felt like Regie was speaking directly to me, whispering in my ear, encouraging, connecting with me, and inspiring me. I believe this book will continue to inspire and uplift teachers of all levels for years to come. Simply put, The Heart-Centered Teacher is a delightful reading experience.”

—VALENTINA GONZALEZ, Author and Educational Consultant

 “Regie Routman has crafted a personal love letter in the perfect book with the perfect words at the perfect time. From the first page to the last, Regie invites us to pull up a metaphorical chair and linger as she bathes us in life lessons and sage advice that we need most in challenging times. Across every page, we soak in her wisdom, leaning into her stories of hope, love, and possibility that loom large in our view.

—MARY HOWARD, Literacy Consultant and Author

 “I savored every sentence of The Heart-Centered Teacher. It is balm for the educator’s soul, a necessary resource to help us navigate these complex and challenging times. Regie’s book is essential reading for all teachers and school leaders, both professionally and personally.”

—MATT RENWICK, Educator, Coach, and Author

 “As always, Regie has written the book that teachers need for this specific time in our world. Weaving together all that is happening in literacy education, Regie’s words keep us grounded in making sure our work with children is authentic, joyful and research-based. Her book lifts teachers up, and gives us both wisdom and hope as we navigate our work with children and colleagues.”

—FRANKI SIBBERSON, Past President of NCTE, Educational Consultant, and Author

 “When the world'seems to be crashing down upon educators, Regie Routman comes through with a book full of hope, inspiration, and ways to do ‘the work.’ With compassion at the forefront, she shares stories, strategies, and wisdom to help readers navigate the turbulent waters of our time. If you read one professional book this year, The Heart-Centered Teacher should be it. It’s just what educators need.”

—CRIS TOVANI, Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Author

 

 

 

 

 

From the Publisher