The First-Year English Teacher’s Guidebook is a trustworthy resource that is well-balanced, effective, and research-based. Preservice ELA teacher Tara Sherman expects early career educators (and experienced instructors) will find it easy to use and “wholly recommends it.”
Julie M. Wilson explains how to lead educators through change and also looks at how leaders can sustain their effort by taking her readers on a leadership version of The Hero’s Journey. Principal Michael Whisler particularly liked her Strengths-based Conversation script.
In Reading with Presence discover how Marilyn Pryle gives students an opportunity to organize their thoughts, reactions, opinions, and questions in writing, so they’re prepared and even eager to participate in class discussions. Definitely a keeper, writes Anne Anderson.
In SPARK!, a book about quick writes, Paula Bourque offers a powerful teaching tool to help students find ideas, discover their voices and build confidence about writing. Teacher educator Linda Biondi notes the frequent, low-stakes writing can stretch across content areas.
Systemic change is still needed to shift stereotypes and achieve equity and equality in STEM fields, writes middle school science educator Cristina Veresan. But educators can make a difference by exposing students to “everyday” science superheroes who defy typecasting.
With this volume of their Jacob’s Ladder program Joyce VanTassel-Baskel and Tamra Stambaugh have devised a way to garner the most impact from nonfiction mini-lessons while allowing for flexibility and choice within the texts, says educator Erin Corrigan-Smith.
Mike Schmoker dispels many myths that guide American education, says teacher leader Jennifer Peters, proposing instead a manageable, research-backed solution for educators to revolutionize their teaching and infuse literacy. She’s bought a copy for all her colleagues.
No single practice stops cruelty, but a combination of proven strategies used by committed staff trained in anti-bullying will maximize impact. Michele Borba outlines six rules that can help defeat the culture of bullying and replace it with the power of character.
When it comes to learning new words, a few minutes goes a long way, says author-consultant Pam Koutrakos. Teachers can jump-start word study at any point in the year. Use her “cycle” strategy to fit vocab into the daily lesson flow and build students’ curiosity about words.
Writing with inviting humor, Allyson Apsey gives readers steps to follow along a path to a more serendipitous life, singling out some of the most common situations educators face. Teacher leader Laura Von Staden says Apsey’s book is a must-read for stressed educators.
