BOOK REVIEW: Teaching with Vitality: Pathways to Health & Wellness for Teachers & Schools (2017) by Peggy D. Bennett, Review by Kelly McGurgan

Book details: Teaching with Vitality: Pathways to Health & Wellness for Teachers & Schools by Peggy D. Bennett. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2017, 232 pp., $19.95.

Teaching with Vitality: Pathways to Health & Wellness for Teachers & Schools (2017) by Peggy D. Bennett, a Professor Emerita of Music Education at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, presents what the author refers to as “nuggets” (p. 1) of wisdom that she has collected throughout her lifetime of teaching and learning. While most of Bennett’s career was at the university level, she encourages educators at all levels to reflect on how their thoughts and personal biases influence the words they use and the way they act and react to students and peers.  This book is intended to support all teachers in keeping “healthy attitudes and behaviors, recalibrating our beliefs when warranted, and searching for what we want and need” (p.3). These suggested habits of thought and behavior are the right size for a quiet moment’s consideration. Ideally, one or more of the many ideas presented will resonate with educators and rejuvenate them for the year to come.

Each of the 101 chapters is short – between one and three pages. Readers may be tempted to consume large chunks of the book in one sitting. Bennett (2018) explains that she used this format for her book to respect the limited time that educators have available after meeting their many commitments. She encourages readers to take time to reflect on each topic and even welcomes readers to disagree. Whether Bennett was using the image of a snake shedding its skin to highlight change as an agent of growth and renewal or explaining the five questions that can help to determine the importance of an issue, vivid metaphors and succinct lists make her suggestions memorable. The author encourages her readers to recognize and appreciate the perspectives of peers and students alike to deepen their understanding that their opinions are not facts. Throughout the book, readers are invited to soften their perspectives to renew their vitality.

Bennett (2018) prompts educators to consider how their thoughts and behaviors impact their teaching practices. Topics are as large as how change, stress, fear, and conflict are viewed and as small as hardening and softening our eyes to influence the non-verbal messages sent with our words. The influence of words, perspectives, and preconceptions on the relationships we have with adults and students is examined in a number of chapters. Readers are repeatedly reminded not to act on assumptions about other people’s perspectives or intent.  Bennett advises readers to seek clarification and keep an open mind at all times. Finally, the author conjures images of students’ moments of discovery, well-executed lessons, and successful collaborative events as she highlights the importance of taking joy in finding daily delights and releasing negativity that can serve as anchors.

Teaching with Vitality: Pathways to Health & Wellness for Teachers & Schools (2018) invites educators to examine their long-held thoughts and behaviors. The author alternatively challenges and encourages readers as she directs them to reflect, identify, and reframe areas in need of improvement. Concise chapters of accumulated advice provide memorable bite-sized pieces of wisdom for educators at all levels to consider.  Educators looking for challenging ideas packaged in an easy-to-read format need to read this book.

Kelly McGurgan is a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Supervision at Penn State University. She is currently a second grade teacher in a rural Pennsylvania public school.  In the past seventeen years she has worked with primary, intermediate, and K-12 gifted and advanced students.  She also has facilitated online Masters’ courses for students working to earn their Reading Specialist certifications in Pennsylvania.  Kelly’s current interests include video self-analysis as professional development, online education, teacher evaluations, and teaching strategies.