Mr. Palmer has taken the rare, difficult task of probing to the heart of the learning experience and seeks to reveal its essence for any teacher willing to explore with him. For each individual teacher, the need to have some balanced perspective of self-identity becomes paramount. Next, the balance of integrity must center a good teacher. These are the kinds of questions that echo in my mind after reading The Courage To Teach. I particularly like what Mr. Palmer had to say regarding fear, teaching from fear, and hiding among our fears while facing them.
Beauty lies in the paradox.
Now, I look for those critical moments in teaching for what they are. No student of educational reform should be without this book. His endnotes are worth the price alone. If the ideas in this book were embraced by the profession, they would revolutionize the classroom and improve the lives of both students and teachers. Palmer has thought deeply and well about the teaching life and created a book with soul.