It Was Never About the Books: A memoir about a teacher's influence on his students' remarkable journeys

In America’s public schools today, teachers are overwhelmed by the number of students in their classrooms, the challenges of meeting their students’ emotional and academic needs, and the daunting administrative tasks thrust at them. What can be done to inspire teachers to stay the course? How can future generations of teachers be convinced to embark on a career that has meant so much to the advancement of an educated citizenry?Robert Pacilio taught high school English for 32 years and was a Teacher of the Year in San Diego County. He has written a memoir dedicated to the principle that teachers who teach to their students, not at them, can make a difference.Pacilio asked former students, “Did it matter that I was your teacher? Students told him they had found a safe space in his classroom with a teacher they could trust and emulate. They had gained confidence and learned that their “I Will” was more important than their IQ. Almost all had found success in life. In the end, they said, “It Was Never about the Books.” Read more