Blessed to Teach is a compelling and thoughtful reflection on the vocation of teaching, drawn from the seventy-year educational journey of Brother Terence McLaughlin, FSC. Rooted in the Lasallian tradition but universally relevant, the book explores five key dimensions of a teacher’s influence: classroom climate, school culture, language and metaphor, ethical formation, and institutional mission. Rich with personal anecdotes, classroom stories, and practical resources—from anxiety scan sheets to self-evaluation tools—it offers both inspiration and concrete guidance for educators who seek to teach with greater purpose and depth. McLaughlin’s style is warm and engaging, weaving together insights from contemporary thinkers like Parker Palmer and Richard Rohr with lived experience in Catholic schools across the Midwest and beyond.
The book challenges teachers not merely to inform minds but to touch hearts and shape ethical lives. Through stories of transformative moments in classrooms, tributes to extraordinary educators, and thoughtful analyses of school environments, Blessed to Teach affirms that true education takes place “beneath the surface,” where the soul of the teacher meets the hopes and anxieties of the student. Whether used for personal reflection, professional development, or faculty discussions, this book is a valuable companion for anyone who sees education as a sacred trust and a mission of hope.
It reminds all educators that to teach well is to love well—and that every lesson can be a lasting gift.
Published: 2010 (Reprinted by the Lasallian Resource Center in 2025)
Authors: Br. Terence McLaughlin, FSC
105 Pages
Available on Amazon HERE
Available as a PDF HERE
