Peggy Deal Redman

The function of a professional learning community is something akin to a support group that is continually learning collaboratively. In times of stress, particularly as external expectations go beyond the real world, books like Redman’s give us the opportunity to reflect, pat ourselves on the back, and move forward. 

What are the myths she covers? (1) “Don’t smile until Christmas”; (2) “Teaching is a cushy job”; (3) “Good teachers are born, not made”; (4) “Good teachers don’t make mistakes”; (5) “Good teachers teach facts”; (6) “They can’t learn”; (7) “Teaching is a lonely job”; and (8) “Teaching is a dead-end job.” Few readers, we suspect, would quibble with the myths presented here and the reality expressed. As teachers, we work hard, collaborate, establish good relationships with students, and stimulate other capacities that make our jobs exciting. But while one would like to give this book to the beginning or pre-service teacher, or to use it in a professional learning community, the advice here is so general that the reader is left reaffirming his own philosophy without clear steps for altering the problems we all face. The reader is left asking, so what? For our professional learning communities, books that provoke thought, stir controversy, or provide solid advice are preferable to this book. (Corwin Press, 2006. 104 pp. $21.95. 1-4129-2553-3.)  

Bottom line: Not recommended. David Loertscher