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, concrete real-life examples, and strategies that can be implemented immediately." -Jane Ching Fung, Kindergarten Teacher/Mentor, Alexander Science Center School, Los Angeles, CA The field guide you need to become an effective teacher right from the start! A teacher's early years are marked as much by learning as by teaching. Unraveling the complexities of the students and the classroom can be a challenging process. This guide provides straightforward, practical, and upbeat advice for novice elementary teachers. Based on her years of experience working with student teachers and new teachers, Rhoda M. Samkoff demystifies the early stages of an education career and offers strategies for handling situations new teachers are likely to face. The book combines examples from real classrooms and advice from experienced teachers to cover a wide range of topics, including planning effective lessons, dealing with specific student behaviors, and communicating with parents. Chapters include: TIPS, or theory-into-practice strategies, that clearly outline workable solutions Frequently asked questions that address common concerns of new teachers Time-saving start-up materials, including forms, rubrics, and checklists Filled with humor, wisdom, and encouragement throughout, In a Class of Your Own is like a mentor in your very own classroom.
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.