Introduction

The year is 1956. As the tires on the family's ancient GMC pickup bang out a rhythm on the dirt road to his northeast Missouri farm, fifteen-year-old John Henderson surprises his father by telling him he wants to be a teacher—a decision that eventually leads him from a small farming community in Missouri to Arizona, where he begins his life's calling.

Journey of a Teacher

Through an engaging format of attachments and emails, Henderson traces the evolution of his thirty-eight-year teaching career from its beginnings at Arizona State University as a graduate teaching assistant. Henderson chronicles his journey from an elite private boarding school in Scottsdale, Arizona, to a small religious-based college—and concludes with his thirty-four year stint with the Maricopa Community College District in Phoenix.

Insights and Reflection

By observing the joys, turmoil, agonies, and even the mundane day-to-day moments of a teacher, Henderson offers a personal yet practical sociological exploration of classroom culture that provides both contemporary students and novice educators with a real-life glimpse into the challenging and rewarding world of classroom teaching. Essential reading for prospective teachers.

Eugene Munger, author of Momma, Don't Ya Want Me to Learn Nothin'?