In Praise of Teachers! A must read for aspiring school administrators.

Touched By A Child, A Principal’s Story is a collection of profiles and experiences gleaned from the author’s 40 plus years as principal of two modest income “Title 1” elementary schools in suburban Washington, DC. The book introduces the authors decision to become a principal at age 27. His first school, a burned out, antiquated building nestled between a prison and a busy Interstate highway, challenged him from the first moments. His delightful and poignant stories depict experiences of working with children from every background, nationality and circumstance. His vivid student descriptions bring these youngsters alive for the reader. The heart of the book centers around his last thirty years as Principal of Cameron Elementary, his second school placement. Told initially that Cameron was a “really difficult school,” Towery worked step by step to build effective relationships with teachers, students and parents. He feels fortunate that his experiences allowed him to truly “understand the value of education especially in communities with limited resources and to the future of our Nation.” As the stories of children are told, the reader gains an understanding of what challenges schools “really face in their quest for excellence and what challenges students face in their daily lives and the lives of their families.” Teachers are praised throughout as those individuals who work every day with a passion and fervor to love, care for, and educate even the most difficult children allowing them to succeed in spite of circumstances. The book is funny, sad, and inspirational. Teachers and administrators will find a roadmap among these pages in recognizing and utilizing talents that do not fall under traditional definitions of “education.”

George Towery’s award winning educational career spanned 45 years (40 of them as principal). Among his honors was his selection as the very first elementary principal to be named Principal of the Year (1988-89). In addition, Towery was Phi Delta Kappa’s Educator of the Year, Fairfax County Lee District’s Les Dorson Citizen of the Year, and was named Educator of the Year by the Mount Vernon Chapter of the DAR. The lawyers of Fairfax County’s Bar Association also honored him for his service to children. Towery is justifiably proud that his school, Cameron Elementary, was picked by “Redbook Magazine” as one of “America’s 100 Best Elementary Schools” (1995). Now retired, Towery lives in Northern Virginia and is a popular speaker at groups of educators and parents.