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A classroom is not always streamlined, logical, and rational, even for those teachers who are always streamlined, logical, and rational. But all the jumbled, messy imperfection somehow doesn't stop many teachers, myself included, from loving the job of teaching. Ive come to view the mistakes Ive made along the way as gifts more than setbacks. If you are wondering whether this profession can still bring you joy-despite the headaches and heartaches-then what Im continuing to learn along my journey might be useful to you. In his poetic essay "A Former Teacher," John Steinbeck wrote of the truths and insights he and his fellow students brought to his teacher, like captured fireflies. This book is a representation of that truthful, inspiring teacher I and most of us strive to be, but also the title is indeed the book: the chapters are all my captured firefliesa compilation of truths and insights my students have brought to my English classroom every morning and afternoon without even knowing it, through their energy, vulnerability, courage, kindness, honesty, brilliance, and contagious laughter. Fireflies shine brightly when set free. And when they are, we all get a chance to walk in the light.