Subtle Side of Teaching

Training, placing, and retaining highly qualified teachers in our nation’s schools has become a very serious challenge in the 21st century. Many factors contribute to teachers’ relative levels of satisfaction, or dissatisfaction, with their careers. Some of these factors are rather obvious and tangible; others are not. Many teachers fade, sometimes rather quickly, from unmet personal expectations, overwhelming external requirements, and subsequent “running out of gas.” Some of the very simplest things in a teacher’s day can have the most dramatic effect on their passion for their work. To keep teachers fully satisfied in their positions, they need to enjoy what they do daily; to enjoy what they do daily, they must approach their work inspired. The Subtle Side of Teaching offers 79 short essays with examples and applications to a variety of school subjects, pointing teachers toward fundamental guidelines for sustained energy, clear thinking, and a positive outlook in the classroom.

Dr. Buonviri's The Subtle Side of Teaching is a richly useful tool for both novice teachers and experienced practitioners. Buonviri does his readers a favor by eschewing educational esoterica and research abstractions in favor of practical, accessible exposition. Furthermore, his experience as a classroom teacher is a hallmark of the book, one that any teacher, at any point in their career, will connect with and appreciate. The Subtle Side of Teaching is sure to be a welcome, and ultimately well-worn, addition to any educator's personal library.--Jon Dyer, instructor, Social Studies, Justin-Siena High School, Napa, CA, With The Subtle Side of Teaching, Dr. Buonviri has given teachers a powerful tool for reflecting on and improving their practice. The chapters are brief but potent, and will leave teachers of any experience level feeling challenged yet encouraged. Dr. Buonviri has gone to great lengths to make this book accessible to instructors of any discipline or grade level, and he has infused it with charming personal stories. One gets the sense that it would be a delight to take one of his classes.--Joy Kolb, 7th and 8th grade Math, Caldwell Academy, Greensboro, NC

Nathan O. Buonviri is associate professor of music education at Temple University in Philadelphia. He has taught music, Spanish, reading comprehension, phonics, and math to students of all ages.