Parker Palmer

The Courage to Teach

1. IDEA 1

   Good teaching comes from identity

   Palmer argues that good teaching cannot be reduced to technique. It comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher, from who the teacher is as a person. In his view, methods help only when the teacher's character gives them life.

2. IDEA 2

   Teachers have inner lives

   Palmer argues that teachers must pay attention to their inner lives, including their fears and hopes. Ignoring this, he says, leads to burnout. In his view, a teacher who never looks inward can slowly lose heart and energy.

3. IDEA 3

   Fear fills classrooms

   Palmer describes how fear affects both teachers and students. Teachers fear judgement, students fear failure. In his account, fear makes both sides play safe, so risky questions and honest mistakes are avoided.

All 8 ideas from The Courage to Teach →