Former Naval Officer Adapts Spiritual Principles to Teaching in Los Angeles‏‏‏‏‏‏

San Pedro, CA, September 05, 2008 --(PR.com)-- When teacher John M. Bjorge took a position at a new high school in South-Central Los Angeles in 2005, he believed that if he respected his students, his students would in return respect him, and all would be well in the classroom. After years of struggling through the day, recuperating from exhaustion at night, and forgoing any balance in his life, the battle-worn Bjorge realized he needed to re-evaluate his teaching philosophy.

Bjorge decided to apply basic spiritual principles to his approach to the classroom. The effect was undeniable: Transformed from within, he became a far more effective teacher who not only enjoyed teaching again, but also was able to uplift the atmosphere of his classroom. In It’s Really Hard to Love You When You Spit in My Floor!, Bjorge shares with his fellow educators the successes he has experienced.

“I wrote this book to share the magic I had found by teaching with spirit with like-mined teachers,” Bjorge said. “I think the greatest benefit of teaching with spirit has been the personal joy I have achieved as teacher: I love going to work, and I love interacting with my students.”

A workbook and a practical guide, It’s Really Hard to Love You When You Spit on My Floor! focuses on the underlying spirit in which teachers interact with their students. Each principle is illustrated with colorful anecdotes and reinforced with techniques and exercises. Written for new teachers and seasoned professionals alike, the book describes the first-steps and follow-up actions to transform a classroom and to teach with spirit.

Early Praise for It’s Really Hard to Love You When You Spit on My Floor!
“This is a much-needed book. Bjorge’s words and experiences are sure to resonate with my stressed out and frustrated teachers and colleagues. I can’t wait for them to read it.” — Sherri Jaye, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) School Counselor

“A masterful work. I only wish it had been around when I was teaching high school.” — Reverend Greta Sasheta, Agape International Spiritual Center

“Bjorge has embodied a practical and inspirational way of living on the creative edge. His book makes this embodiment possible for everyone: Our classrooms will never be the same!” — Amy Perry, Agape Spiritual Licensed Practitioner & Learning Facilitator

“I’ve especially benefited from the envisioning techniques. I have tried it in my classroom, and I have found the immediate change comes from within. The techniques are helpful on a stressful day, and they make the day bearable when I am reaching my limits on patience and energy.” — Steve O’Loughlin, Elementary School Teacher, Chiang Mai, Thailand

About the Author
Born in 1953 in Fort Madison, Iowa, and raised in Southeastern Connecticut, John M. Bjorge has been teaching high school in various settings for the past 15 years. Prior to teaching, he served as a United States Naval Officer for eight years and in various training and development positions for 15 years in the corporate world, where he conducted well over 250 professional and managerial seminars across the country. After years of military and business experience, Bjorge was compelled to make a greater impact in the world, and discovered his calling as a teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in education and human development from George Washington University. Bjorge is currently a teacher at a high school in South-Central Los Angeles and is an avid jazz pianist. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Mary.

Ordering & Availability
It’s Really Hard to Love You When You Spit on My Floor! is available online at amazon.com. A limited number of complimentary copies are available to the press through Viking Productions at jbjorge@hotmail.com.

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