There’s a Pig on the Playground: Memorable Stories from the Schoolyard

There’s a Pig on the Playground is a nonfiction book about education. The first part is a memoir of the author’s childhood on a farm in Plaza, Washington, where she learned to read, write, and interact with others in a small two-room school. These experiences inspired her to become a teacher, a job she cherished. Follow Deanna and her husband as they travel to the newly-annexed Alaskan wilderness to teach native children in remote villages. Join them as they return to the US to teach in various schools with different socio-economic backgrounds. Celebrate with Deanna as she earns her Ph.D. and becomes an administrator, and how she made a difference in the lives of students at all levels.

The second part honors various school staff members, such as secretaries, maintenance workers, paraprofessionals, coaches, cooks, bus drivers, and more. Through their shared stories, it becomes clear that these roles, though challenging, are filled by people who love working with children.

If you are interested in a job anywhere in education, from the principal’s office to the lunchroom, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be touched, educated, and inspired to be the best educator you can be.