Those Who Can, Teach

The Power of Art, Kindness and Compassion in the Classroom

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Pub Date 15 Apr 2021 | Archive Date 15 Apr 2021

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Description

Andria always wanted to be an art teacher.

Then she got to her first placement. There was the classroom with broken windows. The unmotivated children. The lack of supplies.

But she wasn’t deterred, and within weeks those same students weren’t only engaged; they were handing in homework. Her supervisor was shocked, and Andria was empowered.

This was what she was born to do.

After graduating, Andria took up a role at Alperton Community School in London, whose students are among the country’s most deprived. With her compassion, enthusiasm and skill, Andria inspired classroom after classroom of students – and in 2018, found herself on-stage accepting a $1 million prize for being the ‘Best Teacher in the World’.

Those Who Can, Teach is Andria’s story. But it’s also about all the other unsung heroes of the classroom, and how anyone can create change, if they set their mind to it.

Andria always wanted to be an art teacher.

Then she got to her first placement. There was the classroom with broken windows. The unmotivated children. The lack of supplies.

But she wasn’t...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781526614063
PRICE £16.99 (GBP)

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Average rating from 8 members


Featured Reviews

Andria Zafirakou was the recipient of the 2018 Global Teacher Prize and her book, 'Those Who Can, Teach', chronicles her journey from growing up in the London Greek-Cypriot community to life as an Art & Textiles teacher in Brent to winning teaching's answer to the Nobel Prize. Zafirakou's love of her job shines through every single sentence and her passion for supporting youngsters to reach their potential makes this an enjoyable and inspirational read.

The book starts in the days following Zafirakou's big win. The reader is then taken through a highlights reel of her life and career to date, each episode poignantly written to bring her school and students to life on the page. The vignettes of different pupils, and how Zafirakou impacted on their lives, are heart-warming and heart-breaking in equal measure. Regardless of any students flourishing in their A-levels or pursuing a career as an artist, we are reminded of key research around deprivation and poverty experienced by young people in this country and starkly shown the impact of this on individual student's lives. It is a sobering reminder that despite inspirational teachers like Zafirakou existing, the odds are stacked against the profession who strive to go above and beyond to keep students safe and well.

Zafirakou has fulfilled a number of roles in her career and clearly has found the most satisfaction from being responsible for the pastoral needs of her students. It is the short section when she was the teaching and learning lead which made me feel slightly uncomfortable - we are told of teachers who Zafirakou realised could not cut it in the profession or at her school and how her difficult conversations with them helped them to move on. Whilst this is a reality in an incredibly tough job, I would have liked to hear about those trainee teachers who struggled but have become inspirational in their own right - where is the optimism for the quality of our incoming teachers to the profession?

Overall, of course I admire Zafirakou and the huge impact she has had on her community and beyond (with her charity Artists in Residence). She cares deeply about her students, classroom and community and is an excellent example to shine a light on the importance of teachers in the lives of students. My main reflection on this book was a reminder of why I am a teacher and have motivated me to continue to work hard for my students.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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What a book!
We begin by recognising our Author's initial time after winning her award, and then we are led through a treasure trail of experiences and students she has both helped, or they have helped her in equal measure.
It's a book about focusing on the child as a whole (holistic approach) rather than just focusing on their failures in school. By helping out just a little it's amazing the impact a teacher can have on a pupil.
This book grants a heartbreaking awareness of just how close to home poverty is, and how we should all be mindful of everyone's situation and feelings, whether they choose to share them or not.

Thank you!

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I was curious to read this especially with all the changes and challenges that the curriculum in England has faced over various political administrations. I was not disappointed by the book. It should, in my opinion, be essential reading for anyone coming into the profession and compulsory for those taking training.
Having also worked in Inner City Schools this gives a great insight into what teaching in these areas is like and the rewards that come with it. It is nice that the profession is recognised as not just about teaching but being a social worked, therapist and "guardian" to many.
This book truly inspires and those that know the profession should read it and every new government Education Secretary should be forced to read it and maybe things would improve for so many children in this Country.
I can not recommend this book enough not just for teachers but everyone that wants to gain an insight into life in Inner City Britain

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This book should be compulsory reading for anyone wishing to apply for teacher training, be it as a degree course with QTS or a PGCE. Although it refers to secondary education the dialogue, inspirational and real life stories make it compulsive reading. Having worked in other sectors and teaching, yes I left for reasons detailed in the book. My admiration for those still teaching at all levels is immense. Honest and shows that teachers do not just stand at the front and impart knowledge but are crucial for the development of the pupils in their care emotionally and as a whole person. League tables and exam results are not the only indicator of how a school is doing. Safe guarding, pastoral care and communication are key and this book totally nails it. Listen to the narrative, talk to teachers and hopefully one day we will stop trying to make everyone fit in to one box instead of celebrating their differences and unique abilities and stories

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Wow! Oh. My. God!!!
I cannot express how much I love this book!!!

I am currently in my 8th year of secondary school teaching, and have worked in three schools (including my PGCE year) all incredibly different. All have different pros & cons.
This book resinated so much with me. I loved the anecdotes and stories of particular students. I find there are always students that stand out and stay with you long after they leave the school and move on - I have many students like this, so it was super interesting to read about Zafirakou's student experiences.
I am also a teacher of creative arts - drama. A lot of Andria Zafirakou's opinions about how the government have left the arts in the lurch in schools I completely agree with!

I couldn't get enough of this book, and will be recommending this to all my teaching colleagues. I read an electronic copy of this book but will be buying a hard copy to keep on my shelf for times when I am seeking inspiration. This book will remind you why you got into teaching in the first place, and will encourage others to think back to those special teachers from their school days.
I adored this book!!!
It will stay with me for a long long time!

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