Book Description

This book provides advice intended to empower new teachers with the tools necessary to feel prepared, confident, and comfortable and to succeed, maintain enthusiasm, and remain committed to teaching. Among the numerous strategies and survival skills it promotes are time and stress management, effective organization, quality lesson plans, and professional development. Nine chapters focus on: (1) "You are Not Alone" (e.g., fitting in and establishing relationships); (2) "Organizing Your Classroom and Yourself" (e.g, setting up the classroom and finding time and balance in one's personal and professional life); (3) "Learner-Friendly Classroom Management" (e.g., routines and increasing efficiency with classroom monitors); (4) "Preparing Lesson Plans and Units that Engage Students" (e.g., basic instructional approaches and time on task); (5) "Preventing Discipline Problems" (e.g., motivating students and increasing positive interactions); (6) "Assessing Student Learning and Performance" (e.g., classroom assessment programs and tips for assessing learning); (7) "Developing Partnerships with Parents" (e.g., parent conferences and back-to-school night); (8) "Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers!)" (e.g., entire class misbehaving and student apathy); and (9) "Your Own Professional Development" (e.g., reflecting on practice and teaching portfolios). (Contains 39 references.) (SM).