From S. Ortgies: “Dear Mrs. Wright will always have a special place with me for all the endearing connections it brings to mind between the generations of teachers and students we’ve been blessed to know.”

From A. Rector: “You’ve created a beautiful story that so many will enjoy. Students and teachers will relate to it. The cover is eye-catching, wonderful! You were a great teacher and still are. . . .”

From L. Weynand: “I am loving your book! It’s warm and oh so authentic. . . . A marvelous teaching career chock full of stories, everyone a delight to savor.”

From B. McNealy: “You captured just what it’s like to be a teacher. I could feel your excitement, hurt, tears and elation and felt like I was your shadow watching everything unfold before me . . . . When I read about your 9/11 experience, I was in tears as I remembered my day and how it mirrored yours. . .  Dear Mrs. Wright is quite an accomplishment.”

From D. Wanger: “I so enjoyed reading your very wonderfully written (You "showed" me what your teaching was like and reminded me so much of my years of teaching, thanks so much!)  I laughed, I cried, and I savored every story!  It brought back so many fun, long forgotten memories. . . . I loved hearing about all the hills you had to climb (me, too!) and the challenges you met along the way.  You are truly amazing and an inspiration to all of us teachers in the trenches. Thanks for the memories!”

From N. Treggett: “You continue to teach and touch others with all your talents.”

From K. Labuhn: “A compelling read! The memoir, Dear Mrs. Wright, is a captivating and poignant account of the author’s decades-long career as an elementary and middle school teacher, progressing from her early years as an enthusiastic but uncertain novice teacher, to becoming a recognized exemplar, peer mentor and advocate for excellence in education. 

This memoir is both inspiring and instructive. Readers will delight in the detailed descriptions of student interactions and antics in the classroom, while admiring the teacher’s ability to turn these challenges into exciting opportunities for learning. The real-life scenarios described in the memoir demonstrate how a compassionate and insightful teacher can build alliances with students, parents, and peers, and create positive learning environments, despite many obstacles. It also illustrates how hands-on classroom projects and other creative learning experiences can enhance textbook learning and help students achieve goals well beyond their expectations.

While Dear Mrs. Wright is a story of one author’s personal experiences and those of her students, it also is a tribute to the many teachers who strive to provide excellent education for their students. It is up to all of us to advocate in their behalf and help ensure that they have the needed resources to achieve their teaching goals.”

From S. Shira: “I think I relieved my entire career while I read your pages. It was . . . long forgotten memories and feelings, lots of similarities. Starting out not a clue knowing what you’re doing and ending knowing you had a lot more you could have improved and learned. And then you move on. . . . It was just such fun reading. Thank you for how alive you made your students and made me very mindful of mine too.”

From R. Young: “If you love to laugh and cry with happiness, if perhaps you've been short of those opportunities the last two years, Dear Mrs. Wright will inspire you to laugh and love life again! This true story will bring happiness to everyone lucky enough to read it, not just teachers. However, the strains prevalent in all facets of society today are most evident in teaching and nursing and other front line jobs. This book will help mend the strains and rifts in society when we learn of the miracles that go on everyday when young women and men dedicate the best of themselves to doing a good job regardless of the challenging circumstances.”

From M. Buchner: “Deep dive into the classroom teaching experience and more. Uplifting and inspiring! As I read Dear Mrs. Wright, I found myself totally engrossed in her story. . . .The vivid descriptions of the different learning environments she encountered over her career felt so familiar and real. Curiosity, a desire for self-improvement and courage to step into new and challenging situations . . . science, art, and even (gulp) opera? became her hallmark as a professional. I was particularly struck by the empathy and fealty exhibited toward her students as they encountered life difficulties. I found myself drawn into the life stories of these students I had never met. The innovative techniques that she explored and found ways to bring about made school a more successful place for all involved. I recommend this book to anyone looking to relive their own teaching experiences as well as those looking to discover and delve into some different ways to enrich the lives of their students . . . and isn’t that why we became educators in the first place?”

From J. Smith: “Jan Wright has written a book that touches on problems new teachers face as well as years of teaching bringing wisdom as an experienced teacher. She grabs your attention from the first paragraph to the end of the book as she writes stories. Through her stories one learns about every aspect of teaching.  Her experience stems from teaching several grade levels, teaching in many different schools, and different states, scarcity of materials to an abundance.  Students from varied backgrounds, nationalities and experiences round out her ability to speak to many issues teachers face in classrooms today. With her stories, Jan shares many examples of what worked or didn’t with students.  She shares the highs and lows of classes which can also turn into learning experiences.

I highly recommend the book to teachers, students, parents and anyone who loves stories.”

From K. Parks: “Great adventures of a dedicated teacher”