Jacob Chastain - Teach Me, Teacher: Life Lessons That Taught Me How to Be a Better Teacher

In his new book, Teach Me, Teacher, Jacob Chastain takes us on a transformational journey where past and present converge into possibility. His story of resilience and hope is a celebration of the impact each of us can have when professional purpose leads the way. Through twenty-two lessons, we begin to envision the immense potential for change as we contemplate a learning day fueled by joyboth ours and theirs.

Dr. Mary Howard, author of Good to Great Teaching

Teach Me, Teacher is one of the most courageous, heartbreaking, hopeful books Ive ever read. By sharing his traumatic life stories and the lessons learned for how to live a better life, Jacob Chastain inspires us to be noble teachers for all our students. Written with grace, humility, empathy, and wisdom, the author shows how caring and compassionate teachers saved his life and inspired him to see lifes possibilities. Every educator needs to read this book!

If this book is anything, its proof of great teachers making an impact by simply modeling a better life. By being kind, they model a world in which smiles, good manners, and relentless support are normal. By being disciplined, they model a world in which we dont just mindlessly consume everything in sight but consciously choose where to concentrate our efforts. By being passionate, they model a world in which its okay to dream big and reach for those damn stars above us.

Regie Routman, author of Literacy Essentials

Jacob Chastain pours his heart out on the pages of Teach Me, Teacher by sharing his personal journey through childhood trauma. His message that action is the antidote to suffering is a powerful reminder to us all to do more, be more, understand more, and care more for our students.

Kim Bearden, cofounder and executive director, The Ron Clark Academy, author of Talk to Me

Jacob Chastains raw honesty is something that we need more of in the education world. In Teach Me, Teacher, he reflects on his past experiences while reminding us all how we can better serve our students and schools right where we are and because of who we are. His passion continues to inspire me and countless other educators to bring light and love into our classrooms every day.

Halee Sikorski, elementary educator, A Latte Learning

Everyone has their past, and Jacobs had challenges. At times raw and emotional, this book allows you to experience Jacobs journey towards understanding, acceptance, and redemption. Jacob shares example after example of how negatives in life can open doors, and his experiences can help the reader to better define a sense of purpose.

Evan Robb, author of The Ten-Minute Principal and coauthor of TeamMakers

My heart bled for children of shattered and dysfunctional families when I read Jacob Chastains Teach Me, Teacher. Jacob has an insight many of us dont inherently have as teachers. His powerful story is a reminder that as teachers, we can and do make major impacts in the lives of our students. I applaud Jacobs willingness to be open and share his story. His book is filled with life lessons for us all, both in and out of the classroom.

Haley Curfman, elementary educator, The Weary Teacher

Jacob Chastain has done something that is extremely difficulthe has shared parts of his abusive childhood as well as his teaching experiences to show how he transformed negatives into positives to create a meaningful life, start his own family, and become a reflective teacher who responds to his students needs. By sharing his painful memories, Jacob teaches us how to move away from them and focus on helping others. And thats exactly what he does every day in the classroom and through his outstanding podcasts with educators. By sharing his story, Jacob invites us to reflect on our stories in order to learn about life, relationships, teaching, and learning.

Laura Robb, coauthor of TeamMakers

By sharing his own challenging upbringing, Jacob Chastain offers a tribute to those teachers who supported and inspired him, while also reminding us that we may not know the trauma our students bring to our classrooms, even when they seem to be ok. Teach Me, Teacher is both an uplifting memoir and a message to all of us in education of the power we have to build relationships and make a difference for ALL of our students.

Dr. Sue Szachowicz, senior fellow, Successful Practices Network, former principal, Brockton High School

Jacob bares his soul in Teach Me, Teacher with a personal memoir that shares life-changing moments that have crafted who he is today. The story becomes even more powerful when he describes the impact of his teachers and how they provided him with safety and love when he needed it the most. This book is a must-read for all those who know a child who is going through challenging times.

Adam Dovico, principal, Moore Magnet ES, author of The Limitless School and Inside the Trenches

We know many of usstudents and teachershave experienced trauma. By sharing his own vulnerability, Jacob Chastain urges us to do betterfor our kids, colleagues, and the world. Teach Me, Teacher is a desperate plea to make our classrooms and schools safe and accepting places of refuge.

Jeff Anderson, author of Patterns of Power, 10 Things Every Writer Needs to Know, Mechanically Inclined, Zack Delacruz, Just My Luck, and Upstaged

Teach Me, Teacher is essential guidance for the next generation of educators. It speaks to all of usseasoned and greenwith warmth and inescapable truths. Jacob Chastain shares his personal journey and thoughtfully connects it with the daily happenings of the classroom, reminding us that every single child we teach has their own story with a past, present, and future. The highly relatable lessons are told with a freshness and honesty unique to Jacob. Teach Me, Teacher is a great addition to every educators bookshelf!

Marie Morris, high school ELA teacher, The Caffeinated Classroom

Get ready for a journey that will make you laugh, cry, smile, and appreciate life and the amazing opportunity you have to impact the lives of your students. Jacob digs deep here, sharing stories that delve into his soul and the life that has made him the incredible educator (and person) he is today. Through his storytelling, youll not only find inspiration but also practical mindset shifts and changes you can make today. Jacob shows us how to embrace negatives as positives, see the opportunities to make an impact even in seemingly bleak moments, and the power we have to use our passion, energy, and roles to change the lives of others. I suspect well begin to see Teach Me, Teacher at the top of must-read lists for years to come.

Jeff Gargas, COO/cofounder, Teach Better Team (teachbetter.com)

I have followed Jacob Chastain on social media for years and he is the real deal. I was so excited when I found out he was writing Teach Me, Teacher, and I must say it does not disappoint. Youll want to join Jacob again and again as he not only shares his own story but also shares great ideas and resources along the way. I couldnt put this book down, and I bet you wont be able to either!

Todd Nesloney, award-winning author and educator #KidsDeserveIt

Jacob has found a way to harness the energy of teachers all across the country! His lessons sum up the importance of education and the promising future of the field. This book displays the kind of pride in education we need!