The First Dish

These inspirational treasures that praise the joy and excitement of teaching are the brainchild of the book writing club of the District of Columbia Retired Educators Association (DCREA). The club's first book-essays, messages, poems, prayers, teacher experiences and more-encourages retired educators everywhere to write and publish their stories. Moreover, the articles should awaken all of us who care about children to the extraordinarily positive impact that our teachers have on youngsters. Their statements also reflect their pride and commitment to their calling.Authors include educators Frances Green Clarke, Alberta Clément, Emma Coates, Alberta Coleman, Christine Easterling, Phyllis Hobson, Minnie Holcomb, Natalie Hubbard, Sandra Britt Jenkins, Louise Mikell, Delore President, Marie Richardson, Ermyn Roberts, William Simons, Shirley Smith, Romaine Thomas, Cassandra Wilkins, Jacqueline Williams, Marion Williams, Tonya Williams, students and staff. "We want to remind educators of how great their noble calling is and how important their contributions have been to our society," says DCREA president Christine Easterling.