Nancy Barile

TueNight 10: Nancy Barile

Age: 61

Basic bio: She may be a high school English Language Arts teacher and a writer these days, but back in the ’70s and ‘80s, Nancy Barile was a bona fide punk rocker in Philly. Her new book, I’m Not Holding Your Coat: My Bruises-and-All Memoir of Punk Rock Rebellion is a memoir we’re dying to dig into. Now based outside Boston, Nancy is a much lauded teacher, having been named a member of the USA Today All-Teacher Team and as a 2013 recipient of the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award.

Beyond the bio: As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I can still make things happen, whether that’s publishing a book at the age of 61 or fundraising to take 25 students to New York City for the day.

What makes you a grown-ass lady? As you age, you gain insight that helps you understand everything from relationships to human behavior. That insight helps you be more forgiving, but it also means you don’t waste your time dealing with rude or mean people.

Nancy with a student and TV anchor
Nancy today, center, with her student, Jordan, left who was obsessed with The Walking Dead. Together they created an entire course based on the show, and got to talk about it on New England Cable News. (Photo: Nancy Barile)

Nancy’s TueNight 10. 

  1. On the nightstand: Radical Help by Hilary Cotam and His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie.
  2. Can’t stop/won’t stop: Fighting for my students.
  3. Jam of the minute: Ceremony by the Deftones.
  4. Thing I miss: Going out of my house.
  5. 80s crush: Mick Ronson, always and forever.
  6. Current crush: My beagle Flippy.
  7. Latest fave find: BlendSmart makeup brush.
  8. Last thing you lost: My temper.
  9. Best thing that happened recently: My book was published!
  10. Looking forward to: Having BIG book release parties in Philly and Boston.

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