The accidental teacher : The joys, ambitions, ideals, stuff ups and heartaches of a teaching life / Heath, Tim.

Funny, poignant, charming and deeply sad at times, this is a beautifully written story of a life in teaching. Tim Heath taught for about 40 years, mostly in New Zealand but also in Samoa, in small country schools, in big city schools, at the Correspondence School, in primary schools and secondary schools. He's been a principal and a deputy principal.Teaching wasn't his first choice, but once in the classroom he found his calling. He's a passionate advocate for children and their learning and what's important, and he illustrates his educational philosophy through touching anecdotes of children and their struggles and successes. Written against the backdrop of a simpler time in New Zealand, this memoir is a deep dive into education and its place in our world. Tim brings his sharp wit and poet's eye to this book, making it a compelling read.