The Principal of the Thing

"The Principal of the Thing: Lessons Taught, Lessons Learned" is a collection of stories that encompass the career of a teacher and principal. Taken as a whole, these stories paint a picture of the life of an educator. Readers will meet memorable students and teachers who the author worked with in his 45 years in education. The book shows the rewards and sorrows of an often-undervalued profession. In sum, the good far outweighs the bad. Those considering a career in education should read this book.

"The Principal of the Thing: Lessons Taught, Lessons Learned" is a collection of stories that encompass the career of a teacher and principal. The stories follow Gary Whitwell as he decides to become a teacher and embarks on a 45-year career in education that sees him teach middle school students and serve as an elementary school, middle school, and high school principal. The reader will meet memorable students, parents, and teachers he encountered over the years. Some stories are funny, some are sad. There are stories of conflict and confrontation in the early days of school integration, and stories about sports and Friday night lights. Taken as a whole, the stories express the author's philosophy of education and his bedrock beliefs in the value and importance of treating students with dignity and respect. Education is more crucial to our society than it has ever been, yet teacher shortages and political posturing threaten its future. While this book can be read solely for entertainment, it also presents education in a favorable light and gives proof of the respect teachers and principals deserve to receive. The author details in the book's dedication how reading a teacher's books helped lead him into education. It is his hope that this book may provide the impetus for some of its readers to do the same.

Gary Whitwell was a well-respected English teacher and an elementary, middle school, and high school principal in East Texas for thirty-five years. He worked at a private Episcopal school for an additional ten years as a teacher and Head of School. Throughout his career, he used stories to illustrate and underscore important points and lessons while working with students and teachers. He was often told he should write a book about his experiences, so he has done just that. Many of his stories are humorous, and some are sad. All of them show the power of treating students with dignity and respect, as well as the importance of establishing and maintaining appropriate relationships with students, parents, and staff. He hopes his stories will inspire others to pursue a career in education. In a time when many in our society hesitate to enter teaching because of the lack of material rewards, he hopes his book shows the joy and sense of fulfillment found in education.