Most professional development books read like a manual. Finding Lifelines reads like a story. It follows Jill Cordera through her first year teaching — every reckoning, every quiet win, every moment when an experienced colleague's small kindness became the lifeline that kept her in the profession.
The foreword is by Dr. Harry Wong, author of First Days of School — the most-read book on teaching in the country. Inside, Post-it notes from Jill's old college professor and journal entries from her mentor become natural prompts for reflection. Schools use the book as the spine of their new-teacher mentoring programs and instructional coaching cohorts.
You'll see yourself in Jill. The doubt, the small wins, the colleagues who reach out at the right moment. A reminder that the first year is supposed to be hard.
Schools use the book as the curriculum for mentor-teacher cohorts. The journal entries become discussion prompts; the Post-its become coaching tools.
If you're building a coaching program, Finding Lifelines works as the shared text — narrative, not theory, easy to bring into one-on-ones.
This book is full of wisdom. It will inspire teachers and make them feel less alone, but the underlying message — of empathy, preparation, hard work, and humility — will apply to any profession. Moving, wise, hopeful.Steve RushinSports Illustrated journalist & novelist
An extraordinary professional learning book. The fictional story sets a backdrop for valuable lessons for new teachers, veteran teachers, and administrators. Wonderful, uplifting, and real.Allyson ApseyElementary principal & author of Through the Lens of Serendipity
A beautifully penned story that shares the real life of educators today. I appreciate how the authors weave lessons throughout each chapter.Tara MartinAuthor of Be REAL and Cannonball In
Teaching is the most honorable profession. Grieve and Sharos deliver a powerful reminder that peer support is what allows all teachers to thrive.Michael LubelfeldSuperintendent & author
Bulk orders of 10+ are $15 each. Wendy will help you set up a mentoring cohort or coaching study around the book.
Andrew adapts Finding Lifelines into onboarding sessions, mentoring trainings, and induction-week keynotes. The book and a visit usually work better together — happy to think through what would help.
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