Lessons that last : 185 reflections on the life-shaping power of a teacher

Going into the school day with inspiration and reflection can help you feel more empowered and ready to take on the joys and challenges of teaching.

In Lessons That Last, Julie Schmidt Hasson and Laura Estes-Swilley provide 185 brief stories shared by former students about their most impactful teachers.

With a different story for every day of the school year, the authors illuminate the many ways teachers shape students’ lives.

You can use them to set your intention for the day, to reflect on your teaching in the evening, or to infuse meetings and professional development with encouragement and affirmation. Hasson and Estes-Swilley concisely unpack each story and pose questions to help you consider the meaning it holds for your own work.

While the stories themselves are inspirational, they also provide models to help you make a greater (and more consistent) impact on your students’ lives. Through these daily reflections, you’ll have the space to contemplate your practice and consider new perspectives and possibilities.

With regular reflection, you can find greater satisfaction in teaching, particularly during challenging times. And as you grow, you'll have more capacity to help your students grow, too.