"For teachers and children everywhere, Why we teach offers abundant inpspiration, creativity, and hope. Throuh priceless anecdotes about her students--some sheltered and privileged, but mostly the poorest of inner-city children--Linda Alston shares her wisdom. In Alston's classroom, child and teacher are free to become their best selves. Alston's approach depends on the positive images she holds of children, her openness to their natural joy and playful spontaneity, and can-do beliefs about herself. With the wholeness of these young lives in mind, she engages administrators, parents, and community in the cause of their learning. 'I have room for that which inspires me.' Each chapter opens with a different affirmation Alston chooses to refuel herself. Each chapter ends with open-ended questions and compelling suggestions for your own classroom."--from book cover