Those Who Can, Teach

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.

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!

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