Susan Guerrero - 42 Rules for Elementary School Teachers. Real-Life Lessons and Practical Advice on How to Thrive in Todays Classroom

Real-Life Lessons and Practical Advice on How to Thrive in Todays Classroom

Susan Guerrero

E-mail:
20660 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 210
Cupertino, CA 95014

Copyright 2009, 2012 by Susan Guerrero

All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.

Published by Super Star Press, a Happy About imprint 20660 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 210, Cupertino, CA 95014
http://42rules.com

2nd Edition: November 2012

1st Edition: June 2009

Paperback ISBN (2nd Edition): 978-1-60773-108-5 (1-60773-108-8)

Paperback ISBN (1st Edition): 978-0-9799428-6-0 (0-9799428-6-1)

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9799428-7-7 (0-9799428-7-X)

Place of Publication: Silicon Valley, California, USA

Library of Congress Number: 2009924543

Trademarks

All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Happy About, nor any of its imprints, can attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Warning and Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and as accurate as possible. The information provided is on an as is basis. The author(s), publisher, and its agents assume no responsibility for errors or omissions nor assume liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the use of information contained herein.

Endorsements

This book of rules would make Dr. Phil smile. The precise, practical and child centered volume is perfect for the new teacher. By incorporating research, common sense and big doses of humor, this quick and dirty read should be on every new teachers (and veteran teachers as well) professional library shelf.

Dr. Michael OLaughlin, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Union School District, San Jose, CA

Susan Guerreros 42 Rules of Elementary School Teachers honors the reasons why young people go into teaching and affirms the best instincts of those who have been in the trenches for decades. She reminds us of the power of a teachers perception and model to support the courage and joy of learning. Two examples are Rule 29: Recognize Every Student is Gifted and Talented and Rule 33: Laugh Every Day. The small, poignant stories that Guerrero tells of her students and colleagues roots her rules in reality, heart and hope.

Laurie Marshall, Teacher, Novato Charter School, Novato, CA.

This is teacher talk at its best from an educator who has experienced the full spectrum of teaching, learning, reform and accountability. What the Wongs do for The First Days of School, Susan illuminates for the days before you begin teaching, the times you struggle to continue and all the days in between. A true celebration of real teachers, their experiences and best practices 42 Rules for Elementary School Teachers is a gem.

Lourdes Desai, Director of Special Education and Categorical Programs, Burlingame (CA) School District

I highly recommend 42 Rules for Elementary School Teachers. Susan Guerreros concise, clear writing, questioning techniques, and key strategies for taking active steps for reaching success as a teacher is a must read for all educators. I will use this book in my own practice daily.

Carol Viegelmann, John F. Kennedy Elementary School Principal, Retired Newark Unified School District Child Care Coordinator (CA)

Dedication

To my first, best teachers: my parents Robert and Adela Cook. Thank you for a lifetime of love and support built on the foundation of courage, will, and integrity that each of you modeled for me daily. Also to my children Camille, Simone, Nicole, and Chase who make my life a complete joy. Your love and encouragement are everything and I am grateful I am your mother.

Acknowledgments

I have been blessed to have the support of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues.

Thank you to my sister Bonnie Morgan for being a great example of a strong, capable woman leader, mother, and lifelong learner. Thank you also to my niece Shannon Gerlach and her husband Tom Gerlach who teach with heart, soul, and integrity. You are the third generation and bring your own unique talents and abilities to the task of helping shape our present students and future leaders.

Thank you to my friend Susan Condio-Hernandez, an amazing educator whose friendship, ethics, and example continually inspire me and also challenge me to keep learning and growing both personally and professionally. The world and its children are better because you live to serve and do so with humility, grace, and love.

Thank you to my mentors: Nancy Vincler, Patricia Hoke, and Kenneth Stange who always believed in me and offered advice, wise words, and informed actions. I am deeply grateful to you for sharing your knowledge, support, and examples of excellence.

Thank you to Mardell Kiesel and Dr. Keith Taton of the Anchorage Unified School District and former Newark Unified School District Superintendent Kenneth Sherer. I appreciate the opportunities each of you provided me with to become a learning leader and school administrator. I am deeply grateful to each of you for your confidence and trust in my abilities and your expertise as teachers, learning leaders, and administrators generous enough to mentor and develop others. Each of you offered a model for creative and reflective practices that inspired me at critical points in my development as an educator and that continue to resonate with me today.

To my many colleagues who teach and lead learning in classrooms thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing to make a difference daily in the lives of children.

I also want to thank those that made sure my vision of a book became a reality:

Mitchell Levy my publisher and Laura Lowell my editor and friend have my sincere appreciation.

One gave me the opportunity to write about the profession I love and the other made sure I did it.

In memory of Robert D. Cook Jr. whose passion for reaching, teaching, and connecting was the result of a deep love of learning. I hear your voice daily urging me to continue to live, learn and love with an eye out for the time bandits. Thank you for the greatest lesson of all.