Two Years in the Lives of Two English Teachers

This book invites readers to explore the complexity of becoming a teacher through the stories of two novice ELA teachers, Emelio and Rachel, over the course of their first two years. The authors’ detailed, empathetic, and ethnographic approach allows space for the teachers to reveal little-seen and often overlooked "wobble moments." These moments illuminate the complexity and nuances that confront, confound, and compel teachers to remain in dialogue with practice. Documenting the journeys of two teachers with compassion and intellectual rigor, this book provides insights into and challenges preconceived notions of what it means to be a teacher. It is essential reading for preservice teachers, scholars, and researchers in English education, as well as individuals considering teaching as a profession.

Bob Fecho is Professor of English Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.

Dawan Coombs is Associate Professor of English, Brigham Young University, USA.

Trevor Thomas Stewart is Associate Professor of English/Literacy Education, Virginia Tech School of Education, USA.

Rachel Knecht is a graduate of Brigham Young University. After four years teaching secondary English, she is a doctoral candidate at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Emelio DiSabato is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University and teaches middle schoolers at Seattle Girls’ School.