Dragons In My Classroom: A Teacher’s Memoir by Barbara Kennard Guest Review and Giveaway!

Dragons In My Classroom: A Teacher’s Memoir by Barbara Kennard

Publisher:  She Writes Press, (June 14, 2022)
Category: Memoir, Educator Biographies, Mid-Life Management, Inspirational
Tour dates: June 15, 2022-July 15, 2022
ISBN: 978-1647423650
Available in Print and ebook, 224 pages

 

Description Dragons In My Classroom by Barbara Kennard

As a young book lover with dyslexia, Barbara found the solution to her reading struggles in Miss Gluding, her first-grade teacher, who showed compassion for her student’s plight—and knew how to help her. From that time on, Barbara knew what she wanted to be: a teacher, just like Miss Gluding.

Unfortunately, Barbara also had some bad teachers in the years that ensued—including her sixth-grade teacher, an exacting woman who called attention to Barbara’s learning disabilities in front of classmates. Still wanting to follow in Miss Gluding’s footsteps in 1964, Barbara vowed she would be a better one than her sixth-grade teacher; instead, however, she became very much like her, with unattainable expectations for her students and herself. After seventeen years in the teaching profession, she realized she had to either change her teaching style or change careers. By providence, right as she stood at this crossroads, she was offered the opportunity to teach overseas at The Dragon School in Oxford, England, for a year—an opportunity she jumped at.

In the year that followed, Barbara would rely on her faith in God to give up a lot of what she knew about teaching and learn to do it differently—ways that wouldn’t have room for her perfectionism. In short, she would have to begin again.

Review Dragons In My Classroom by Barbara Kennard

Guest Review by Laura

Although it is a true story and a memoir, 'Dragons In My Classroom,' by Barbara Kennard reads like an inspiring Oscar-worthy movie.

The tale of a woman who has wanted to be a teacher her whole life and eventually finds herself burned out by teaching, and unsure of what direction she wants her life to go in next. But just like the second act in any good movie, Barbara makes a discovery that changes everything.

A colleague at the school that she was teaching at tells her about an exchange program with a school in Oxford, England. The school is called the Dragon School, named for the mythical dragon slayer himself, Saint George. At this point, Barbara had seventeen years of teaching under her belt. Having enjoyed and loved her career for so long, she was beginning to wonder if teaching was the best path for her. But her transfer to the Dragon School ended up being exactly what she needed to turn her thinking around and remind her why she loved teaching so much in the first place.

Barbara taught a group of 13-year-olds, and found herself occasionally being taught by them as well. Learning a whole new curriculum, plus a new vocabulary of British-English phrases was certainly challenging for Barbara, but rewarding as well. Kennard found her teaching and living in England enriched her life in many ways, as well. Returning to church with a new friend, she found herself recommitting to her faith in a way that she hadn't expected.

Whatever your own career may be, you will enjoy this memoir, as there is something for all readers in this book. 'Dragons In My Classroom,' is a great reminder of the things that really matter in life and how a big change can completely revitalize your perspective. 

(c) Cedric Buard

Barbara Kennard taught English and performing arts to elementary, middle, and high school students from 1980 to 2015 and has received two teaching awards: The Christa McAuliffe Award for Teaching Excellence and The Barbara Kennard Sixth Grade English Prize, established in her name at The Fessenden School by a Fessenden family.

Barbara lives in Texas with her husband, pianist Brady Millican, and their cat, Piper.

Website: barbarakennardauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/barbara.kennard.167
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraKennard7

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Giveaway Dragons In My Classroom by Barbara Kennard

This giveaway is for 3 print copies and is open to the U.S. only. This giveaway ends on July 15, 2022 midnight, pacific time.  Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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