Customer Reviews

The Heart of a Teacher: True Stories of Inspiration and Encouragement

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When I picked up "The Heart of a Teacher" I expected more of the usual teacher gift books that grace my shelf (and sometimes my trash can ;-). As a teacher of many years, I would trade all the other books that expound the greatness of teachers for this one thought provoking book.

What makes The Heart of a Teacher different?

This compilation of stories truly represents the "heart" of the best. There are no platitudes or sweet quotes. Each story challenges the reader to grow closer to the Master Teacher.

The authors range from well known writers to everyday folks willing to share what God has revealed to them. Pick up a copy of this beautiful book. You won't be disappointed.

Actually, pick up several. You won't be able to keep it to yourself.

From the opening story to the end of the book, I read and read, not wanting to put it down. As a testimony to teachers everywhere, Wayne has done a wonderful job of compiling the essence of teaching. He has included stories of triumph and defeat, of laughter and tears. The anecdotes brought home many memories of days of long ago, applicable today, even though the environment has changed considerably.

No matter how many changes, though, children are still children, and the call to teach is still a call to sacrifice. Deep down, we are all children, waiting to be affirmed, to be told we have done a good job. On those days when you long most for that, pick up this book, and be blessed to the core of your soul.

Wayne has managed to weave faith into each of his stories, without coming off as preachy or dogmatic. No matter what your church background, no matter what your stand of faith, you will find someone familiar in each of these stories. Give this book as a gift to that special someone in your life -- not only a favorite school teacher, but anyone who has taught you a life-changing lesson.

Someone suggested this book to me as an end-of-the-year gift for my son's teachers. I bought 16 and gave them out and I was glad I did as the teachers really seemed to enjoy it. This year for Christmas, I plan to give Wayne Holmes' newest book, "Whispering In God's Ear."

This book is a delightful collection of stories about some of the most important people in our lives -- our teachers. It is well written, the variety of stories is excellent, and it is nicely packaged buy its publisher. I recommend it, not only for one's inspiration and personal entertainment, but as a more than appropriate gift for any teacher, in or out of the classroom.

As a teacher for thirty-five years, I can promise you this book would be a gift that any teacher would read, enjoy, and and remember for years to come. The book encouraged me as I read how teachers influenced the people who shared their stories. It made me realize and hope that I may have inspired someone in like manner during my teaching career.
The stories in this book would also provide useful illustrations for devotions or sermons. Wayne Holmes artfully compiled these fifty-one stories and organized them in twelve sections. You may start out with the intention of reading one story a day; I'll bet you can't read just one!

Barbara Eubanks, Albertville, AL

We all remember the one teacher; that one person who saw the spark down inside and caused it to ignite. And, we've all been a teacher. In one way or another, each of us has passed on something, knowledge, skill, or wisdom, to someone else. The Heart of a Teacher is about all the teachers who have impacted us and the teacher in each of us.
From the famous to the not-so-famous, Wayne Holmes has collected over fifty stories to inspire. Stories that spark memories. Others remind us that we are all teachers and we are all students.
As I read I thought of Mrs. Whitt, the teacher who understood the complications in my home. I remembered the young man in a Junior High English class who remembered me when I substituted in his high school English class. The angry adolescent girl who played shortstop on the softball team I coached. Mr. Weimer, oh how could I forget Mr. Weiner? He promised me that I would love science before the end of the first quarter of school. He fulfilled that promise.
This gift book is not just for giving to a favorite teacher, but a good gift for mothers, Little League coaches, Sunday School teachers, or the person who taught you to knit. The Heart of a Teacher is a gift for you.

Wayne Holmes has done it again! He should wind up in the principal's office for this one. Yep, march him straight to the principal, sit him down, and give him a well-deserved commendation for his writing about teachers. The heart, soul, energy, enthusiasm, and dedication exemplified in this book will spark memories of mentors who made a difference in your academic and personal life and inspire all teachers (new or experienced) to greatness. It is more than a work of art; it is a work of heart that shines through each page-turning story. A great read ... buy one for every teacher on your Christmas gift-giving list!

Book Review - The Heart of a Teacher
Viola Ruelke Gommer -Dallas, PA


Wayne Holmes has gathered stories of how one person can influence the life of another. The persons he points to are teachers and students. Not all the teachers are adults and not all the learners are children. Compiler Holmes highlights what the heart of a teacher can provide the student...nurturing, example, strength, love, inspiration, wisdom, encouragement, compassion.

You will recognize the names of some of the story tellers. There are others whose names you have not seen before. All of them offer heart felt experiences. They changed lives in very positive ways...one life at a time. We are each called to touch the lives of those we meet each day. We never know how a word, action or even a smile can impact one person's day, one person's life.

This is a wonderful gift for teachers. But don't stop there. Anyone who cares about others will appreciate the lessons shared by each story teller. This is a great gift book for teens, young adults, and adults at any stage in life. It is a book the family can enjoy reading together...one story at a time.

Take the lesson from each story and begin a new day for yourself with its wisdom. Then, "Keep on doing the things you have learned..." ( Philippians 4: 9a)

From early childhood to college educators, this book will provide inspiration, affirmation, and light humor. I'm a substitute high school teacher and took this beautiful book to work with me. During the day I was able to read the snippets of well written stories by a variety of writers. Then I showed The Heart of a Teacher to others who were impressed and interested in it too. What a wonderful read. I recommend it if you're an educator but also as a positive, meaningful gift for anyone who touches the life of a child.

For inspiration and encouragement for new parents see The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start

This was a nice book for a new teacher. I was excited to get it, but when it arrived I was a little disappointed. There was a personal message on the first page to the previous owner. I very carefully cut teh page out with an exacto knife. I hope that the reciepant didn't notice the page missing! There was no notice of the personal message in teh book description.