A book about who the children are and how school is and isn’t serving them, told by the people who know them best.

Teachers spend more time with children than almost anyone else in their lives. They notice things. They see how children are changing, what they are carrying, what they need, what the current educational system offers them and what is missing.

And almost nobody asks them what they see.

What I See From Here is an oral history in progress - a book built from in-depth conversations with 100 elementary school teachers across the country - urban and rural, new and veteran, public and private. The goal is simple: to ask the teachers what they see and to let their voices inform change.

Are you an elementary school teacher, K-5?

I’d love to talk with you.

I’m currently conducting in-depth interviews with teachers across the country. The conversation runs about 60-90 minutes and covers what you observe in your students, what’s working, what isn’t, and what you wish the people in charge actually understood.

There are no right answers. This isn’t a survey. It’s a conversation and your perspective matters.

Schedule your interview here

What to Expect

The interview involves:

  • A 60-90 minute interview over Zoom

  • Recorded with your permission (transcription only, no video!)

  • You can choose to be named in the book or remain anonymous

  • No preparation needed.

Follow along as the research unfolds.

I’m documenting the process on Substack - what teacher’s are saying, themes that are emerging, what surprises me, and more. There’s no book deal (yet!). So stick with me to experience the real, unfolding work of trying to listen well.

Follow my substack here

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Any current elementary school teacher (K-5) in the United States. I am looking for a wide range of representation of schools, regions, and experience levels.

  • That is entirely up to you. You can be named, identified only by role and region, or fully anonymous. We’ll decide together before anything. ispublished.

  • Yes please! Share this website or have them reach out directly.

  • The research phase is just beginning. I’ll keep you posted