This provocative text offers an inside look at the hidden dimensions of teaching. Sometimes controversial, always poignant, the book examines highly debated issues fundamental to a free and open society. School reform is at a critical juncture; the portrait of the profession revealed here serves as a catalyst for change. Chapters discuss such timely and relevant topics as the preparation of teachers past and present, the daily work of teachers, and the influence of current policy on public education. Teaching our children is a shared responsibility. The work of teaching described in this book demonstrates clearly that there is much work to be done by all involved. This book will inform and empower a wide range of readers including those considering careers in teaching, those who have children in school, who vote and pay taxes, work in schools, influence policy, or those who are business leaders.

One of the most revered authors of young adult books, Richard Peck has penned several critical and commercial successes including Dreamland Lake, The Ghost Belonged to Me, and the National Book Award finalist, A Long Way from Chicago. Peck's novels have also received prestigious awards including the Edgar for Are You in the House Alone? and the Newbery Medal for A Year Down Yonder. He is also the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the National Humanities Medal, the ALAN Award, and the National Endowment for the Humanities Medallion. In Richard Peck: The Past Is Paramount, authors Donald R. Gallo and Wendy J. Glenn recount the highlights of Peck's life, focusing on his world travels, his accomplishments as a teacher and his renowned writing career. Gallo and Glenn examine Peck's 30 novels, as well as his short stories and children's books, poems, essays and other nonfiction. An additional chapter analyzes themes, characters, and style in his writing. The appendixes list Peck's many honors and prizes, as well as film adaptations of his works. The extensive bibliography cites all of Peck's primary and secondary works, along with sources of interviews, speeches, prayers and credos, articles about him, and sources of reviews of each of his books. For fans and scholars alike, Richard Peck: The Past Is Paramount is the most authoritative resource about the life and work of this beloved author.

This provocative text offers an inside look at the hidden dimensions of teaching. Sometimes controversial, always poignant, the book examines highly debated issues fundamental to a free and open society. School reform is at a critical juncture; the portrait of the profession revealed here serves as a catalyst for change. Chapters discuss such timely and relevant topics as the preparation of teachers past and present, the daily work of teachers, and the influence of current policy on public education. Teaching our children is a shared responsibility. The work of teaching described in this book demonstrates clearly that there is much work to be done by all involved. This book will inform and empower a wide range of readers including those considering careers in teaching, those who have children in school, who vote and pay taxes, work in schools, influence policy, or those who are business leaders.