Two Lives

"Terry Doran's rediscovery of a manuscript he wrote in the late 1960s has now become this insightful and inspirational book about what it really means to teach and to overcome the institutionalization that opposes it. His life exemplifies education that opens doors to spectacular journeys, revives wonder and imagination, shapes learning within dreams and strengths that recreate self and community, dwells in the soul of goodness, and acts in the world with relentless improvisational artistry. The book is not just a period piece; it is a treasure of past strivings and a beacon to present needs. I urge you to read it."

 -William H. Schubert is Professor Emeritus of Curriculum & Instruction, and was former University Scholar, and Director of Graduate Studies, at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is author of Love, Justice, and Education, over 20 other books, is a Fellow of the International Academy of Education, and was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Curriculum Studies in 2004.

"Terry Doran's story is that of a true teacher-a person dedicated to affirming the self-worth and autonomy of every young person he encountered. He taught principled resistance in high school, self-discovery and self-expression at the Folk School, and public discourse through Theater for Ideas. With this memoir, he continues to teach."

-Isabel Nunez, Dean of the School of Education, Purdue Fort Wayne 

"This book is a must read for all educators! The book offers refreshing and poignant voice of inspirational, courageous and conscientious teacher/educator who engages so creatively and respectfully with their students and their community. Terry pedagogically transforms and opens the flow of literature and arts naturally, meaningfully and lively in and out of the class with abundant ways of nurturing self-discovery, enjoyment of learning and value of spontaneity while impacting their ways of thought."

-Dinny Aletheiani, Yale University

"A cross between The Catcher in the Rye and Dead Poets Society." 

-Christopher Doran, author of Making the World Safe for Capitalism