180 Days

Overview

180 Days: Reflections and Observations of a Teacher is a collection of poems from several different facets of being a teacher: first as a teacher and observer of the profession and students; as a continuing learner with students at the Young Authors Conference; as school documentarian and historian; and as a mentor, highlighting the work of his students. The book takes the reader from schools in the heart of the inner city to the suburbs—from the classroom to subbing for Special Ed.—reflecting the variety of challenges and joys that make up a teacher's day.

Author Biography

Stanley Kusunoki is a teacher, poet, writer, arts advocate, and musician. He has served on panels for the Minnesota State Arts Board and was on the board of directors for S.A.S.E., The Write Place. He has been a liaison between artists and school faculty through the Perpich Center for Arts in Education. He was the recipient of a Loft Asian Inroads mentorship, and a mentor for the Asian American Renaissance "Writers' Block" and Intermedia Arts "Exchanges" mentorship programs. He was the recipient of a Minnesota State Arts Board "Cultural Collaborations" Grant (with support from the Jerome Foundation) for The Beringia Project (with Jamison Mahto). He has taught poetry to children through summer camps and elementary school residencies sponsored by The Loft, S.A.S.E., The Write Place, and the Perpich Center for Arts in Education. Kusunoki is currently the High Potential Teacher/Coordinator at Red Oak Elementary School in Shakopee.