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Education Review Teaching is a demanding profession that takes a great deal of time and energy. It is essential for teachers to achieve a healthy balance between their personal and professional needs in order to sustain and renew their passion and enthusiasm in the classroom. The third book published by Kappa Delta Pi in the ABC’s series on teaching, The ABC’s of Wellness for Teachers: An A-Z Guide to Improving Your Well-Being in the Classroom and Out, offers practitioners expert advice on how to develop a healthy and balanced lifestyle amidst the daily responsibilities of teaching. Wellness is an expanded idea of health that is determined by the decisions we make about how we live our lives. A state of well-being is acquired when there is a balance in the six aspects of life: social, intellectual, physical, emotional, occupational, and spiritual (National Wellness Institute, 2007). The authors focus on the interaction of these six mental wellness aspects and how they continually influence our daily lives throughout this concise, uplifting book. Teachers at all stages of their careers will find this alphabetically arranged guide useful for its wide variety of self-improvement strategies, classroom ideas, and reflective practices as they strive for happiness, success, and a sense of purpose. Teena Ruark Gorrow and Susan Marie Muller, both previous classroom teachers, provide quick tips for improving personal growth, time management, and stress avoidance among others. These practical suggestions are accompanied by humorous illustrations and teacher-friendly icons to draw the reader’s attention to additional wellness pointers, professional advice, and words of wisdom. |
The tone of the book is upbeat and the entries are short and understandable. A valuable self-scoring, wellness assessment tool and individual wellness planner is included at the end of the book. The ABC’s of Wellness for Teachers is a timely and refreshing self-improvement book filled with helpful advice and new insights for everyday teaching situations. It would make a wonderful teacher appreciation gift! |
