Teaching—The Sacred Art: The Joy of Opening Minds and Hearts
Authentic teaching is messy, exciting, frustrating, joyful, challenging—and sacred.
"Through stories, information and reflection, we [will look] inward, going more deeply into the discovery of who we are, not only as teachers but also as women and men for whom teaching is only a part of life. I believe the deepest calling … is the call to be who we truly are."
—from Chapter Seven, “Teaching Who We Are”
Beloved teacher Rev. Jane E. Vennard leads an inner exploration of the hopes and fears, joys and frustrations, gifts and limitations that influence teachers of all kinds—teachers like you—every day. Drawing on her own experience as well as stories from many teachers in conventional and unconventional settings, she inspires you to reconnect to your original desire to open minds and hearts to learning. With reflection questions, practices and activities, she helps you reinvigorate your passion for your vocation, your students and your subject, thus recognizing how teaching is a sacred art.
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Book details
- Author
- Jane Vennard
- Imprint
- SkyLight Paths, an imprint of Turner Publishing Company
- Published
- Formats
- Paperback, Hardcover
- Subjects
- Self-Help › Spiritual
Religion › Spirituality - Topics
- spirituality · vocation · teacher burnout · joy of teaching · self-reflection · spiritual growth · education
- ISBN-13
- 9781594735851 (Paperback)9781683363286 (Hardcover)
About the author
REV. JANE E. VENNARD is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and teacher ordained in the United Church of Christ, and the author of several books on prayer and spiritual practice, including Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul, Praying with Body and Soul, and Teaching—The Sacred Art: The Joy of Opening Minds and Hearts.
Vennard holds degrees from Wellesley College, Stanford University, and San Francisco Theological Seminary, and served for many years as a Senior Adjunct Professor at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. She is a long-time active member of Spiritual Directors International.
When she’s not writing, Vennard leads retreats and lectures in ecumenical settings across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Her books draw directly on this practice, exploring prayer, spirituality, and discernment.