To Teach - The Journey, in Comics

''A serious book, but laced with humor... a novel approach. Required reading for all educators.''- Harvey Pekar, American Splendor

''An utterly original and deliciously irreverent book...''- From the Foreword by Jonathan Kozol, Savage Inequalities

''This book is a treasure chest of insight. It represents what dedicated, imaginative teaching is all about and is a blueprint for everyone who wants to explore the intimate connection between teaching and learning.'' - Peter Kuper, Diario De Oaxaca 

''To Teach is hilarious serious and fabulous! A broad manifesto that will change many people's lives.''- Laurie Anderson, artist and musician 

''Weaving in inspirational anecdotes and playful visual metaphors, Ayers and Alexander-Tanner's collaboration cleverly illustrates the vital importance and moral necessity of teaching.'' - Josh Neufeld, A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge

''I wish I'd read this book before I started teaching and making comics a decade ago, it's chock full of practical and philosophical advice. I know this book will inspire a generation of teachers to come.''- Lauren Weinstein, Girl Stories

''To Teach represents a fresh breeze in the educational and social science research community. It takes daring to reconceptualize entrenched practices and traditional modes of research.'' - Elliot Eisner, Professor Emeritus of Art, Stanford University

''The perennial dance of learning that can also be teaching at its best is both brilliantly and graphically shown herein by Messrs. Ayers and Alexander-Tanner. Do keep in mind that although they can show you the right steps, you still have to listen closely to your interior music and follow its changing melodies and rhythms.'' - Gary Dumm, artist, Ego & Hubris: The Michael Malice Story, and American Splendor

''To Teach is great reading not only to student teachers but to anyone who has a vested interest in our education system. I especially appreciated the smack down of the dehumanizing trend to pigeonhole every other kid with some kind of ''at risk'' syndrome! It also is a great example of how comic art is a very efficient way to communicate complex ideas.'' - Peter Bagge, comics journalist and author of the Buddy Bradley series

This graphic novel brings to life William Ayers s bestselling memoir To Teach: The Journey of a Teacher, now in its third edition. From Ayers early days teaching kindergarten, readers follow this renowned educational theorist on his ''voyage of discovery and surprise.'' We meet fellow travelers from schools across the country and watch students grow across a year and a lifetime.

To Teach is a vivid, honest portrayal of the everyday magic of teaching, and what it means to be a ''good'' teacher debunking myths perpetuated on film and other starry-eyed hero/teacher fictions. Illuminated by the evocative and wry drawings of Ryan Alexander-Tanner, this literary comics memoir is both engaging and insightful. These illustrated stories remind us how curiosity, a sense of adventure, and a healthy dose of reflection can guide us all to learn the most from this world.

This dynamic book will speak to comic fans, memoir readers, and educators of all stripes.

Brand: William Ayers

Published on: 2010-05-01

Original language: English

Number of items: 1

Dimensions: 8.75" h x 6.00" w x .50" l, .62 pounds

Binding: Paperback

144 pages

About the Author 

William Ayers is a school reform activist, Distinguished Professor, and Senior University Scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Ryan Alexander-Tanner is an art teacher and a Xeric Award-winning comic artist. This is his first full-length graphic novel.