Book details

  • Genre:education
  • Sub-genre:Counseling / Crisis Management
  • Language:English
  • Series Title:Hey Teacher
  • Series Number:1
  • Pages:32
  • Paperback ISBN:9798317830816

Hey Teacher

By Chanel Jones

Overview

Hey, Teacher is a heartfelt children's book that follows students from kindergarten through high school as they navigate real-life challenges and moments of self-doubt. Through short, powerful vignettes, readers witness the steady presence of a teacher who listens, encourages, and believes in them when they struggle to believe in themselves. Rooted in social-emotional learning, this story honors the quiet, everyday moments that shape a child's confidence and sense of belonging. Hey, Teacher is a love letter to students who need to be seen and to educators whose compassion leaves a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
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Description

From the first day of kindergarten to the final walk across the graduation stage, Hey, Teacher tells the story of students growing up under the steady care of educators who refuse to give up on them. Through a series of grade-level moments, this contemporary children's book explores the real challenges many students face, including poverty, grief, instability, self-doubt, and the fear of being unseen. Each vignette centers on a single moment in a child's life, paired with the presence of a teacher who listens, affirms, and reminds them of their worth. These are not grand gestures, but quiet acts of care that change everything. Designed with a reflective, two-page format, the text allows readers to pause with each message while full-color illustrations bring the emotions of each scene to life. As the students grow older, the lessons deepen, culminating in a final graduation spread that celebrates resilience, hope, and possibility. Hey, Teacher is written for children who need reassurance that they are not alone, and for the educators, counselors, and families who walk alongside them. Rooted in social-emotional learning and real classroom experiences, the book serves as both a mirror for students and a tribute to the adults who help shape their futures. It is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one caring teacher to change the trajectory of a child's life.
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About The Author

Chanel Jones is an award-winning North Carolina educator, advocate, and community leader who has dedicated her life to loving and supporting children, both inside and beyond the classroom. A third-generation teacher, Chanel teaches middle school and serves students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities. Her work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and capable of greatness. Named the 2025 Piedmont-Triad Region Teacher of the Year, Chanel's journey into education is deeply personal. After losing her mother at a young age, school became a place of stability and hope. The teachers who showed up for her during that time inspired her to become the kind of educator who notices the quiet struggles, celebrates small victories, and meets students where they are. Those experiences continue to shape her teaching philosophy and her approach to writing. Chanel is known for creating innovative, student-centered programs that address both academic and social-emotional needs, including school-based laundry and meal initiatives, restorative justice practices, and creative learning experiences that empower students to tell their own stories. She works closely with families, colleagues, and community partners to remove barriers to learning and to build environments where children can thrive. Hey, Teacher is Chanel's debut children's book and a love letter to students and educators everywhere. Inspired by real classroom moments, the book honors the quiet power of a caring adult and the lasting impact teachers have on the lives of children. Through her writing, Chanel hopes to remind young readers that they are not alone and to affirm educators that their work matters more than they may ever know. When she is not teaching or writing, Chanel enjoys creating art, mentoring new educators, and advocating for educational equity across North Carolina. She continues to live out the legacy of her mother by leading with compassion, courage, and love.
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