A Calverley teacher celebrated the launch of his first book after earning praise from a range of respected figures from the world of education.
‘The Caring Teacher – How to make a positive difference in the classroom’ was written by Calverley-based Rob Potts as a personal project with no real thought of it being published.
Yet after being urged by his partner to send the manuscript to publishers he found that, little over a week after finishing the first draft, he’d signed a deal with John Catt Educational Ltd, which was purchased last week by Hachette – one of the largest publishing companies in the world.
Speaking at the book’s official launch, Rob said:
“It’s been a surreal experience. Securing a publishing deal wasn’t foremost in my mind when I sat down and started writing but a few months later I’m sitting here signing copies!”
He says the book has already been adopted by one leading teacher training provider as a core text and Rob hopes that it will be a source and support and guidance to teachers in future.
“Relationship building and supporting the development of children is at the core of what we do but it’s often something that can be paid lip service to during teacher training,” said Rob, who currently works at Parklands Primary School in Seacroft, following a career in leadership across the state and independent sectors – including Fulneck School.
“Pastoral care doesn’t necessarily come naturally to everyone but it’s the one part of the job that we all have to get right. I really hope that by writing this book, I’ve been able to provide a source of guidance for teachers for many years to come.”
The book’s launch took place at Truman Books in Farsley and it is available to buy now from there and from other major retailers, including Amazon and Waterstones.