The Teaching with Heart, Fire, and Poetry website is modeled on our popular poetry anthologies — Teaching with Fire, Leading from Within, and Teaching with Heart. In these books, we asked teachers and leaders to reflect on a favorite poem and how it gave voice to who they are, why they do what they do, and how they keep their heart and commitment alive in their work and life. 

We asked them to reflect on these questions because we believe that what inspires and impassions people is worth talking about. We created this website to continue that important conversation. We hope you’ll consider sending in a reflection on your own life and work to post on our blog.

Concerned about the deep divides in our country, we created a new project, Building Bridges Word by Word, that draws on insights gained through our experience with the poetry books. Building Bridges Word by Word offers a safe space where we can share our stories, discover what connects us, and learn from those who have different perspectives. In doing so, we gain a better understanding of ourselves and each other, and can begin to build bridges across our divides. By sharing your stories on its website and Substack, Building Bridges Word by Word provides something we desperately need – a way that we can begin to see ourselves in others.

We invite you to send in a short reflection on a saying, quote, song, or poem that is meaningful to you. Here are the story guidelines, including prompts and steps for sending in your submission. We look forward to working with you to share your story.