The Courage to Teach speaks to the joys and pains that teachers of every sort know well. Over the last 20 years, the book has helped countless educators reignite their passion, redirect their practice, and deal with the many pressures that accompany their vital work.

Enriched by a new Foreword from Diana Chapman Walsh, the book builds on a simple premise: good teaching can never be reduced to technique. Good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher, that core of self where intellect, emotion, and spirit convergeenabling 'live encounters' between teachers, students, and subjects that are the key to deep and lasting learning. Good teachers love learners, learning, and the teaching life in a way that builds trust with students and colleagues, animates their daily practice, and keeps them coming back tomorrow.Reclaim your own vision and purpose against the threat of burn-outUnderstand why good teaching cannot be reduced to technique aloneExplore and practice the relational traits that good teachers have in commonLearn how to forge learning connections with your students and "teach across the gap"

Whether used for personal study, book club exploration, or professional development,TheCourage to Teach is rich with time-honored wisdom, and contemporary clarity about the ancient arts of teaching and learning.

PARKER J. PALMER is a highlyrespected writer, lecturer, teacher, and activist. He is founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage& Renewal, which offers long-term retreat programs for people in the serving professions, including teachers, administrators, physicians, philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and clergy. Author of nine books, includingLet Your Life Speak, A Hidden Wholeness, Healing the Heart of Democracy, andThe Heart of Higher Education, Palmer has been recognized with thirteen honorary doctorates and a number of national awards. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

Foreword to the Twentieth Anniversary Edition ix
Diana Chapman Walsh

Foreword to the Tenth Anniversary Edition xvii
Parker J. Palmer

Gratitudes xxvii

Introduction: Teaching from Within 1

I The Heart of a Teacher: Identity and Integrity in Teaching 9

II A Culture of Fear: Education and the Disconnected Life 35

III The Hidden Wholeness: Paradox in Teaching and Learning 63

IV Knowing in Community: Joined by the Grace of Great Things 91

V Teaching in Community: A Subject-Centered Education 117

VI Learning in Community: The Conversation of Colleagues 145

VII Divided No More: Teaching from a Heart of Hope 169

Afterword: The New Professional: Education for Transformation 191

Notes 215

The Author 225

The Center for Courage& Renewal 227

About the Companion Media 229

Index 231