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Casey's book chronicles her career in education. She begins by introducing the reader to the teachers she had as a student and how they impacted her. After her time at college, she discusses her first lessons as a part-time teacher and her early years as a beginning teacher. She discusses the lessons, both positive and negative, she learned from students and established teachers as she developed her own instructional style.
Casey's book covers many parts of teaching, from students and parents to fellow teachers and administrators. There are touching stories about student engagement and tales of encounters which didn't go well. Also, the roles of the administration and other teachers in the running of the school and overall morale are considered. Although misdeeds are touched upon, there are uplifting stories of student success and interesting colleagues, like the retired teacher who rode his motorcycle out the front doors on his last day.
For those who have never been teachers, Casey's book highlights the many aspects of the vocation that are often unknown to those outside the profession. The students, their care, and instruction are the priority, but there are numerous outside influences that teachers must constantly navigate. Casey's book focuses on these other aspects as much as on the teaching itself. There are lessons to be learned through Casey's experience, particularly in the areas of pitfalls and coworker interactions, which should be carefully traversed or, better, avoided entirely. Teachers, future teachers, or anyone interested in an insider's view of the profession may find this book to be enlightening.