James Nehring Boeken

The narrative centers on a community's transformative journey in education, led by a dedicated teacher who helped establish The Bethlehem Lab School. Overcoming skepticism and challenges, the school emerged as a unique institution focused on performance-based assessment amidst a landscape dominated by standardized testing. It fostered a collaborative, democratic culture with active participation from students and parents, offering an integrated curriculum and culminating in meaningful senior projects. The school's success is marked by diverse enrollment, competitive college admissions, and strong community support.

Geared towards newly tenured teachers, this book encourages educators to elevate their teaching practice into a true vocation. It emphasizes personal growth and challenges teachers to reflect on their methods and commitment to the profession, fostering a deeper connection with their students and the educational community.

One year out of college, James Nehring landed "accidentally" in teaching and soon discovered his love for the profession. But he was surrounded by a school system consumed with order, efficiency, rules, and punishment. He wanted to change the system. So began a quest that became a career. Why Teach? Notes and Questions from a Life in Education is a journey inside American education and a story of self-discovery. Why Teach? is the perfect introductory text for an aspiring teacher, a source of reflection for fellow educators, and a compelling insider critique of the system from pre-school to graduate school. In an age dominated by social science, Why Teach? makes the case for a humanistic approach to schooling.