The book is a memoir about James Kleiner's public-school teaching career. It includes recollections of his own education and mentors. "Landing On My Feet, Teaching and Learning During a Career in Education" chronicles the challenges of his career as well as the many joys and inspirational moments he experienced.

"Landing On My Feet, Teaching and Learning During a Career in Education" is a memoir written by James Kleiner, a career educator in the Connecticut public schools for 33 years. The book chronicles his own education and pays tribute to the teachers who mentored and inspired him. His story takes him through the challenges he was faced with and, ultimately, overcame through the years. In every case, he learns from these experiences and continues in the field, buoyed by many inspirational and joyful interactions with his students, colleagues, and co-workers. Throughout the book, there are many instances where he learns as much from his students as he has taught them.

James Kleiner taught instrumental music in various Connecticut public schools for 33 years. Currently, he's a private teacher of the clarinet and saxophone, as well as an active professional musician around Connecticut.