In a Class of Your Own

Rhoda M. Samkoff is a popular speaker and educational consultant, formerly a teacher in the Millburn (NJ) School System. She holds a Masters degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College. Columbia University in New York City, and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Honor Society in Education. Ms. Samkoff has taught at all of the elementary school grade levels. More than seventy of her students have received honors or awards in writing competitions, or have had their work published. She organized and advised a leading elementary school Student Council that received eight national awards including a United States Congressional Certificate of Recognition. In addition, she has mentored student teachers and new teachers, and instructed in the Education Department at Kean University in New Jersey. Her workshops and seminars focus on successful teaching techniques Ms. Samkoff has authored numerous articles that have appeared in educational magazines and in The New York Times. The author has been the recipient of many awards and was named a Teacher of Honor in 2010 for outstanding innovations in education, writing, and student leadership.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. Preparing You Are Not Alone Taking Care of Yourself Before Taking Care of Others Keeping Your Sense of Humor Defining Your Role as Teacher Work Relationships Community Connections 2. Anticipating Strategies for Preventing Common Mistakes Frequently Asked Questions 3. Organizing Efficient Storage and Retrieval Systems Purposeful Projects Using Teaching Space Wisely Health and Safety First 4. Managing Keys to Managing Groups Exercise and Productivity Planning Handling Paperwork Behavior Issues and Disciplinary Options 5. Communicating Miscommunication Happens Meeting the Parents The Parent Conference 6. Instructing Formulating Clear Objectives and a Plan Differentiating Instruction Review, Review, Review? Motivating ?Take Out Your Homework? 7. Observing and Being Observed Be Yourself? and Be Prepared Learning by Observing 8. Respecting Providing for Differences and Disabilities Cultural Diversity and Your English Language Learners Teaching Values 9. Reflecting Self-Assessment: A Sign of Professional Growth References and Additional Resources Index

"This book includes a wealth of practical ideas for the new teacher. Written from a mentor's point of view, it is an excellent resource with relevant topics, easy to read, rich with concrete real-life examples, and filled with strategies that can be implemented immediately." -- Jane Ching Fung, Kindergarten Teacher/Mentor "The contributions from this delightful, caring, mentor-on-the side approach will assure the new educator that all issues can be addressed by working together with resources already available-including this book! The practical T.I.P.S. are a teacher's gold mine. The book offers a great balance of useful information-very pleasing to the busy teacher's time palate." -- Cathern Wildey, Adjunct Professor of Education "This is a wonderful guide for new teachers. The anecdotes from actual classroom situations help develop a connection between the author and the novice teacher. This helpful guide is practical, upbeat, and the ideas are easy to implement. Everyone needs a positive coach to encourage his/her development as an excellent teacher!" -- Patricia Palmer, Sixth-Grade Teacher