Dear Carl Love, in just 127 poignant pages, you have defined what teaching is all about. I had no intention of spending a huge chunk of time this weekend reading and rereading this thin volume. However, you drew me in and I found myself reminiscing about my own teaching career. You are right: the essence of teaching kids is loving them, identifying with their issues, and helping them get through a minimum of one school year of life. Not just academics, but all that life brings to each student. Thinking, reasoning, right & wrong, independence, interdependence, relationships, family, friends, bullies, best friends today and worst enemies tomorrow, clothes, etiquette, and so much more. I love your colorful descriptions of their comments and notes. Then there were your musings about rules and testing and data and admin and parents and fellow teachers and dogma. All identifiable through the years. What remains with me still is that precious relationship with each kid in a family that keeps you coming back with new ideas, new ways to connect. Thanks, Carl, for taking the time to craft a wonderful story of kids and 22.44 years. Thank you for what you’ve given to so many in your second career, and best wishes as you begin a third.

Carl’s book is available on Amazon: I’m Not Your Friend, I’m Your Teacher.