Embarrassment: And the Emotional Underlife of Learning

Thomas Newkirk expertly navigates 21st century learning and 21st century social issues in this engaging read. I read the book with a group of Literacy Coaches in a large urban school district in California. This book touched on issues that come up with the teachers and students we work with, as well as issues closely related to our human experience. The author contextualizes current issues in education (student stereotypes, growth mindset, feedback, the diverse needs of diverse students, what's underneath teacher attitudes towards professional learning) with sensitivity and hands-on suggestions for classroom practice across the high-leverage content areas of Reading, Writing, and Math.I have recommended this book to teachers, parents, administrators, fellow instructional coaches, and woke friends. If you seek to understand, address, and advocate for some of the complex issues in (public) education, this book will surely provide a fresh and unique lens of perspective.

Tom Newkirk begins with a story from his educational life and encourages us to use our stories to grow beyond our current limitations and put ourselves on the front line (firing line) and ignore the fears that hold us back. Why is this important?Fear, when we try anything new, can make us uncomfortable. YET, fear should not ever keep us from trying something new! Educators ask students to put themselves at risk every day in the learning process. This should not be socially stigmatizing but instead should be a source for growth and celebration. Celebrate risk-taking. Celebrate the PROCESS of learning. It should be normal for day one of a task or activity to be less comfortable than day 100.Whether you are a new teacher or veteran teacher, you will find stories that match or parallel your own learning experiences. Use Tom Newkirk's ideas to harness the emotional power of growth and enhance your ability to share with students, teachers, admins, and your community that a growth mindset is truly about embracing what has given you the space, time and acceptance to learn from life.

Thomas Newkirk's newest book, Embarrassment, is nothing short of a beautiful gift to educators everywhere. For the first time, he opens a door to have important conversations that have previously been ignored altogether or pushed beyond closed doors. He not only acknowledges the professional reality of embarrassment and invites each of us to share the stories that give our personal embarrassments a voice, but he uses his own voice to offer us the courage to share with his powerful first words, "I'll go first." This book needs to be in every school with ample opportunity to engage in conversations that will remove the shame from conversations revolving around Embarrassment.