This unique collective story and guidebook encourages and supports educators to envision their future journey while living fully in the present. Using developmental understanding of mid-life and the years beyond, this book expands on the present and potential experience of teachers, both active and retired, in these areas: · Work · Ways of being · Personal connections · Caring for self and others · Planning and preparing, and · Fulfillment and freedom Readers will find validation of their experience as developing and mature educators and the encouragement to continue to enhance their abilities and professional lives. Through examples from the lives of other educators, questions for reflection, and the commentary and perspective of the author, those seeking enhancement in each dimension of their lives will find a home in this guide. Written in conversational style, this book will be of interest to educators and retired teachers and administrators as well as beginning and pre-service teachers.

"Partly career advice, and somewhat a self-help guide, this book addresses the concerns of teachers nearing retirement and promotes the many possibilities that exist." - Reference and Research Book News

"McGrath’s book is part of the self-help genre, a growth industry that is gaining a multitude of adherents through television, videos, and the Internet. Her contribution is designed to raise the consciousness of teachers at the midpoint of their professional careers as they deliberate (or choose to overlook) what life will be like for them when they inevitably leave the security of the classroom environment. To her credit, McGrath has taken the big step and embarked on a rewarding post-teaching career, something she wants to share with others like herself, mid- and late-career teachers seeking self-understanding and the motivation to plan ahead. Her goal is to raise their awareness about the many transitions that occur throughout a teaching career and to offer strategies and templates for reflecting on their relationships with parents, colleagues, and friends." - Teachers College Record

"This well written book will capture your attention and cause you to reflect about career decision making." - Council For Exceptional Children