This publication elevates the insights and experiences of educators above the trends of commercialization and the continuous evaluation of their student’s achievements. In “Teachers Undefeated”, Jon Berry discovered that educators have rejected a diminished and insufficient perspective of what schools should provide to children. Now, he discusses schools that have collectively chosen to adhere to the fundamentals of teaching and learning, with a firm belief that positive outcomes will ensue. This book offers encouragement to teachers, parents, and school board members, illustrating that it’s still feasible to teach with imagination, vigor, and innovation. It demonstrates that opposing a culture of teaching merely for exams is not only viable but also fulfilling.
Information on the Book’s Contributors
Dr. Jon Berry is the program director for the Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) at the University of Hertfordshire.
In-Depth Reader Reviews and Personal Reflections
“Jon Berry’s book offers a beacon of hope amidst the current educational landscape dominated by test-driven approaches. By advocating for a shift towards prioritizing the quality of education over student outcomes, Berry empowers schools to reclaim their purpose and foster a more nurturing learning environment. In an era of fear-driven education, his message of courage resonates deeply, inspiring schools to lead by example and pave the way for positive change.”
“As educators face mounting pressures and challenges in navigating the complex terrain of educational policy, Jon Berry’s insights serve as a rallying cry for autonomy and integrity in teaching practices. His book emboldens teaching professionals worldwide to stand firm against external pressures and advocate for the holistic well-being of students. With Berry on our side, educators are empowered to defend the principles of effective education and uphold the values that truly serve our schoolchildren.”
“In a landscape overshadowed by metrics and bureaucracy, Jon Berry’s latest work offers a refreshing perspective rooted in educational principles and teacher professionalism. By challenging the prevailing culture of quantification, Berry’s book ignites a spark of hope for educators weary of Orwellian mandates. It reminds us of the importance of returning to foundational principles and reclaiming the essence of education in its truest form.”
Whispers in the Shadows: Secrets Unveiled
CONTENTS: Foreword by Kevin Courtney; 1. What this book is about and what it sets out to do; 2. The autonomy paradox: We’ll set you free … as long as you do what you’re told; 3. Seven different schools and one happy outrider; 4. The mismeasurement of learning: The experts’ view; 5. Trust, values and principles: Still stubbornly hanging around; 6. A state of Grace: Not just about surviving; 7. More than a grade: Loving the subject at secondary level; 8. A jewel shining in the gloom: What a school can do when principles take centre stage; 9. Learning in your slippers: What might home-schooling tell us about schools and pedagogy?; 10. So, what are we going to do about it? How to put the test in its place; References; Index
