What Teachers Should Know But Textbooks Don't Show

Stella Erbes earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Masters Degrees in Education and Spanish from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Her 16 years of teaching experiences span both the elementary and secondary levels as well as the public, private, and homeschooling sectors. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Pepperdine University, where she teaches courses in Educational Psychology and Secondary Teaching Methods, and supervises student teachers. Although she enjoyed teaching in the K-12 classroom, Stella decided to begin a career in teacher education in 2002 so that she could support beginning teachers as they entered the world of teaching by sharing practical knowledge gained from her wide array of experiences. Stella's research interests focus on beginning teacher support, teaching methodologies, and undergraduate research experiences. Her research has been presented at internationally recognized conferences like the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. It is her hope that K-12 classrooms and research in higher education can partner together more closely to connect theory and practice in valuable ways so that both classroom teachers and university professors can be well informed of the current issues and trends in today's schools.

Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Part I. Planning and Preparing to Teach 1. Making Positive First Impressions 2. Making Time Through the Art of Multitasking 3. Making Grading Manageable Part II. Classroom Management 4. Reinforcing Routines and Completing Clerical Tasks 5. Discipline: Setting Boundaries and Holding the Line Part III. Instructional Strategies 6. Teaching Outside the Box 7. A Personal Touch: Incorporating the "Affective" Element Part IV. Teaching: An Ensemble Work 8. Cooperate, Collaborate, & Consider the Office Staff 9. Parents & Teachers: We're on the Same Team 10. Participate in the Profession Conclusion Resources References Index

"Useful and motivational, practical and inspiring. Erbes not only provides teachers with valuable suggestions to make their lives easier and improve their craft, but also speaks to the heart of the matter. She reminds us that teaching is about more than skills and strategies; it is about relationships and passion." -- Marilyn Green, Director of Grants, Assessment, and Special Projects "This book answers the practical question of how to be an effective teacher while retaining the heart and soul, which are essential to becoming a successful educator. Erbes shares her personal expertise with honesty and clarity to inspire new teachers to create active learning environments where both the teacher and the students can thrive." -- Donna Fulgham, Language Arts Teacher "I was a brand new teacher right after college and I know that nothing can be as frustrating and disheartening to a young educator as the first year of teaching. Erbes uses her own journey and the experiences of others to help guide new teachers through what may be their toughest year. This book offers encouragement to help new teachers maintain their enthusiasm for teaching-the world's greatest profession." -- Janice Hahn, City Councilwoman "Erbes offers practical advice-not just theory-on how to succeed in the crucial first years of teaching. This book is filled with ideas on how to optimize teaching time and maximize student learning. By applying these guidelines, developing educators will have a better chance of being organized, thoughtful, and effective." -- Erin Powers, Literacy and Leadership Partner "Blends research with tips on the most challenging moments new teachers face in their classrooms, showing how to create a positive learning environment, handle students and families alike, and meet professional objectives. New teachers in particular will find it a clear, concise indicator of common problems and their solutions." -- The Bookwatch, June 2008