TOUCHING LIVES
A TEACHER'S MEMOIR
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One day while we were talking about what we were going to be when we grew up, Willis said. “ I want to be a teacher when I grow up.” Keep in mind that this was the early sixties before the civil rights movement had really begun. Over a half century later we must remind ourselves ... these black children had never had a black teacher. They had learned to believe that some avenues were closed to them. Martha looked up at me with her big brown eyes and said, “He can’t be no teacher.” Then she got an uncertain look on her face, “Are black people allowed to do that? Is he allowed to be a teacher?” “Of course, Martha, you can be anything you want to be. You must study and work hard and stay in school.” Martha was astounded. Her horizons had just been stretched almost beyond her imagination. Her eyes grew wide with amazement. “For real? Honestly?” she asked incredulously. She gave a big wide smile.
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About the Book
This is a moving and personal story of teacher’s life told from her side of the desk. Teachers build a nation by touching the lives of the youth and you will be there, too, as the stories touch your life. Everyone knows what it is like to be a student; they don't know how it is to be the teacher! The author began teaching in 1960 before the civil rights movement was in full swing. Through the eyes of the children and the teacher you will watch education change in the forty years that followed. When you read Touching Lives you will share wonderful and surprising experiences with students of various ages whose lives have touched my own. As you read, you will cry for them, worry for them, and always you will love them as I did. Laugh with me when Henry brings his snakes to school. Enjoy the adventure to the aquarium; and the trip to the woods through the eyes of the children who have never been out of the city. Any person involved in education, at any level, will enjoy this story. Shirley A. Kitner-Mainello
About the Author
Shirley Kitner-Mainello spent many years in education as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, private tutor, and school administrator. As her career progressed, it took her to four different school districts, numerous buildings, and all levels of public education. She has now retired from education and from her tutoring. Writing, traveling, gardening, and genealogical research are among her pursuits. With Touching Lives she hopes to connect with other teachers; those preparing for the classroom, in the classroom, and retired from the classroom. Together teachers build the nation by touching the lives of young people. Shirley has also written several other books which can be found on Amazon by searching the author's name Kitner-Mainello. Barnes and Noble and some other sites may also have them available.