Brandi Lyston, a dedicated educator and author, brings her firsthand experiences from the classroom to life through Teacher Tales: Poems from the Frontlines. This heartfelt and humorous collection offers an authentic look at the teaching profession, balancing the realities of its challenges with moments of laughter, inspiration, and resilience. Through a combination of poetry and personal stories, Brandi delivers a unique and powerful tribute to the educators who pour their hearts into their work every day.
Teaching, as Brandi highlights in her writing, is more than a profession—it is an experience defined by connection, perseverance, and purpose. The moments spent with students are filled with triumphs, struggles, and unexpected lessons that shape both educators and the young minds they nurture. Teacher Tales reflects these lived realities with unfiltered honesty, capturing the essence of what it means to stand on the frontlines of education. Brandi’s ability to intertwine humor, heart, and raw truth sets her work apart, making the book not only a celebration of educators but also a source of comfort and connection.
In Teacher Tales, readers will find poems that shed light on the emotional highs and lows of teaching. Some pieces speak to the joy of witnessing a student’s “aha” moment, the victories of breaking through to a struggling learner, and the humor in surviving chaotic school days. Others touch on the challenges of burnout, the weight of unspoken struggles, and the small but significant moments that fuel an educator’s resolve to keep going. Brandi writes with a voice that is both tender and unflinching, acknowledging that teaching is a journey marked by equal parts exhaustion and inspiration.
Brandi Lyston’s dual role as an educator and author gives her a unique lens through which to tell these stories. Having spent years in classrooms as both a teacher and leader, her perspective is deeply informed by personal experience. She understands the unspoken realities that many educators face—the emotional toll of pouring one’s heart into the work, the frustrations of a tough day, and the hope that comes with even the smallest successes. This understanding resonates in every poem and story, inviting teachers to see themselves in the pages of Teacher Tales.
Brandi’s passion for storytelling is rooted in her belief that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and heal. Her work transcends the confines of traditional education narratives by offering a genuine portrayal of the teaching profession. “Teaching isn’t always about perfect moments,” Brandi reflects. “Some days are messy, frustrating, and exhausting, but we find strength in showing up and pushing forward for our students. Teacher Tales is my way of saying, ‘I see you. You’re not alone.’”
This honesty makes Teacher Tales an essential read for anyone who has ever stood in a classroom, learned from a teacher, or appreciated the impact of education. Teachers will find themselves nodding in recognition, laughing at familiar situations, and feeling seen in their unspoken struggles. Non-educators will gain a deeper appreciation for the work teachers do, understanding that the profession is far more complex and rewarding than it may appear.
Brandi’s ability to blend poetry with real-life stories gives Teacher Tales its distinct voice. Each poem is paired with a personal reflection that adds depth and context, allowing readers to step into the classroom alongside her. Whether it’s the chaos of a school assembly, the triumph of helping a student find their confidence, or the quiet moments of connection that remind teachers why they do what they do, every page offers a glimpse into the heart of teaching.
The book serves as both a tribute to the educators who give so much of themselves and a reminder of the importance of their work. It celebrates the resilience, creativity, and heart that teachers bring to their classrooms, even on the toughest days. Through her words, Brandi honors the stories that often go untold—the laughter, tears, struggles, and small victories that define the teaching experience.
Photo Courtesy: Brandi Lyston
Brandi Lyston’s journey as an educator and author is one marked by resilience, growth, and a dedication to making a difference. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, years of teaching experience, and a passion for storytelling, she brings a unique perspective to her writing. Her work is a reflection of her belief in the transformative power of stories, both in the classroom and beyond.
Outside of writing and teaching, Brandi finds joy in spending time with her family and their pets. She is also active in her community, volunteering with the Girl Scouts and embracing life’s adventures one chapter at a time. These personal experiences enrich her storytelling, adding authenticity and heart to her work.
Teacher Tales is more than a book—it is a connection, a comfort, and a celebration of teachers. It reminds educators that their work matters, even when it feels unseen. It offers laughter when the days are long, reflection when the challenges feel heavy, and inspiration to keep going. As Brandi shares through her writing, teaching is not about perfection but about showing up, pushing forward, and finding meaning in the smallest of victories.
Brandi Lyston’s Teacher Tales: Poems from the Frontlines stands out as a one-of-a-kind tribute to the teaching profession. By blending humor, heart, and honesty, it captures the beauty and challenges of a profession that shapes lives in ways that are both immeasurable and unforgettable. Educators, readers, and anyone who values the power of connection will find inspiration in these pages.
For more about Brandi Lyston, her work, and her journey, visit BrandiLyston.com or connect with her on social media at TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Lulu Publishing.
Published by Mark V.
