"Naim continues to write brilliantly. I am an eyewitness to his leadership, teaching skills and culture building. This book is a needed refresher for seasoned teachers like myself and an inspiration for those entering the profession. He serves his readers with personal experiences linked with wise advice and a touch of humor. Get your copy now, or spread kindness by purchasing one for a colleague or a teacher/leader you know."
-Luanne Beebe (Kindergarten Teacher)
"Naim Q. Sanders has done it again with an insightful glimpse into teaching and leading with A Sacred Place for Learning. If you have not had the pleasure of knowing ‘Mr.Sanders’ professionally, this book embodies the thoughtful, meaningful conversations with nuggets of wisdom that are always right on time. His words of reflection on his experiences make the reader think more critically about his/her own experiences in the classroom and in life. I envision myself using this book in future teaching endeavors to guide my self-reflection in the classroom. The chapters are very easily digestible making this the perfect choice for a reading selection when you have only a few minutes at a time to sneak away and read. This book has something valuable for all teachers and I would recommend it to teachers in all stages of teaching.”
-Carleigh Evans (Intervention Specialist)
“The book gave me lots of things to think about, for students and my own kids. I really liked chapter 8, Being Nice and my favorite section was on school culture. School culture is such a vital part of how schools’ functions as the author points out. When Naim wrote about evaluating schools based on if I would send my kids there, I had to stop and think. I often do that when looking at teachers but had not really thought about it in the larger picture of the school. The climate of the school is so important to the learning process. As Naim stated, “it’s when you first walk into the building”. I think so much of what was written in A Sacred Place For Learning: Teaching, Leading & Culture is good for educators to stop and think about.”
-Kristi Klise (Reading Recovery Teacher)
"A true reflection of teaching and leading shine throughout this whole book. Naim’s honest observations, knowledge, and passion are helpful and relatable to every teaching life."
-Missy McCoy (Instructional Coach)
"Just finished this book! Been in education for 22 years and I have sticky notes all over, highlighting, new ideas/thoughts, and reflecting on and celebrating what I am doing as an educator. This is the season! If you want to grow, purchase this book!"
-Benita Gordon (Educator, Consultant & Coach)
"A Sacred Place For Learning: Teaching, Leading & Culture is a well crafted masterpiece that brings two worlds together that have been separated far too long. Naim has reunited the church and the school in a manner that few educators have dared to do. For educators who have been called to education, your calling will be affirmed through each page of this dynamic book.”
-Gary Tate Jr. (Administrator for Cincinnati Public Schools)
"The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching is rich with knowledge from an experienced educator who is steeped in the work of education. There is a common theme threaded throughout each chapter that screams, 'hang in there'. Naim touches on areas that only teachers can articulate."
-Emmanuel Anthony (Principal)
"Naim Sanders captured the essence of teaching in his book The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching. He truly captures the heart of teaching of why we do what we do. His words empower teachers on the effect that we have on our students’ lives. As an educator who was guided to my career by my 12th grade Social Studies teacher, I felt when Naim shared his story about his elementary school teacher’s support & guidance. The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching is a book that will inspire novice teachers and affirm the work of Veteran teachers.
-Gary Tate
(Assistant Principal)
"In a climate where teachers often feel discouraged, disillusioned, deserted, drained, defeated and misunderstood, Naim Q. Sanders masterfully reaches into the very core of a teacher's heart and offers dignity, courage and hope. The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching empowers teachers to rediscover who they are both personally and professionally as it invites them to bring the wonder of their authenticity to the workplace. Sanders instinctively inspires teachers to give their all--withholding nothing--by reminding them that they are valued, they are necessary and they are enough. This book is a teacher's treasure and should be used as a book study in all schools throughout the United States and abroad.”
-Lisa Hayes (TESOL Teacher)
"The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching by Naim Sanders offered a myriad of validations for the thoughts and feelings I have experienced as a professional in the teaching field. The author provided a lens into the teaching profession that allows for teachers to take a step back, inhale, exhale, and come to the realization that we are not alone in our teaching endeavors, both in our admirable successes and miserable failures. He offers advice, encouragement, wisdom, and moments of amusement through his anecdotal experiences in the field of education. This book comes highly recommended if you are lucky enough to be part of the exhilarating profession of teaching."
-Carleigh Evans
(Special Education Teacher)
"Experiencing the book, The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching by Naim Sanders is truly a fresh breeze on a spring day, after a long, hard winter. No matter where you are in your teaching career, do yourself a huge favor and read this book! It speaks to the hearts of all teachers, giving our souls much needed honest encouragement and hope. Mr. Sanders offers encouragement and insight into how to find your personal and teaching gifts; how to grow them, and then how to share them with students and teachers alike. I appreciated hearing from the heart of an experienced educator encouraging me to be the best teacher I can possibly be each and every day; holding nothing back. Reading this book helped reinvigorate my passion for making a positive, purposeful impact on all my students. Thank you for giving educators an attainable vision for how we can give our best to our students every day!”
-Nancy Florence
(Social Studies Teacher)
"Two thumbs up for The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching! The book is ideal for any educator who just cannot bear to read another long, drawn-out, data-driven book on education! This makes the book an all-in-one for reading and reflection. The author has a unique gift of acknowledging teacher’s struggles, while offering encouragement, support, and practical strategies along the way. I have shared this book with colleagues, who like myself, are teaching in a high-stress environment (don’t we all). This book is right on time for the staff that is doing all they can to stay afloat. The Beautiful Struggles of Teaching is a must-read for any educator, novice or veteran!
-Sybil Stokes
(Special Education Teacher)