The Teacher's Way: Teaching and the Contemplative Life

In The Teacher's Way, award-winning scholar, educator and author Maria Lichtmann connects the monastic practice of lectio divina to the heart of the teaching experience. New teachers just beginning their careers will find deep and welcomed guidance in this book. Veteran educators who need a fresh dose of inspiration will celebrate. The Teacher's Way is an oasis for connecting education with the life of the spirit. Lectio divina is a Benedictine practice that involves four elements of "sacred reading." They are: Lectio―reading/attention Meditatio―reflection Oratio―prayer/receptivity Contemplatio―contemplation/transformation The Teacher's Way masterfully translates these practices into classroom applications that create hospitable and safe spaces for learning. Maria Lichtmann writes, "Nothing is more crucial to teaching as spiritual practice than replenishing the underground springs of a teacher's own inner life." Some of the topics the author focuses on include: the crisis in education; monks and teaching; concrete proposals for reflection and attention; hospitable teaching and transformed teaching. This book will provide food for thought for teachers just beginning their careers, those still in school, veteran educators who need refreshment, and professional development facilitators. The Teacher's Way is designed to benefit educators from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as college and graduate school instructors. †