Frank Thoms - Teaching that Matters: Engaging Minds, Improving Schools

Praise for Teaching That Matters

Teaching That Matters is a delightful concoction of philosophical and psychological reflections and provocations on the art of teaching. Creative teachers will find Frank Thomss book highly engaging and his practical teaching recommendations enormously useful. Hugh Silbaugh, dean of faculty, Northfield Mount Hermon School

I feel Franks energy and commitment and can also hear his voice, literally, as I read. His book feels like a personal conversation rather than a broadcast. Perhaps that is why he was such a good teacher! Ron Stegall, international education advisor

I have learned that it doesnt matter whether the students sit in rows, or in pairs, or in a circle on a rug. What matters, and what will engage minds and improve schools is that the teacher in whatever setting is competent, passionate, committed, and willing to take intelligent risksmodeling for students the value of reaching beyond where they areto where they can be. And in that equation is the role of the principal who must create a culture of respect and trust that supports teachers every day to create rigorous lessons that balance standards with creativity and joy of learning. In Teaching That Matters, Frank Thoms advocates close principal-teacher relationships to create engaged learning for students. Patricia Karl, founder and principal of Lawrence Family Development Charter School, Lawrence MA

The chapters are so intriguing! I just want to curl up with my favorite plush blanket and spend the day reading what Frank Thoms has written. I love that Thoms understands that one approach to teaching rarely works. He presents multiple ideas and resources to provide teachers opportunities, either individually or collaboratively, to generate their own solutions. And, he offers Points to Pursue at the end of each chapter. Pamela Penna, educational consultant

Thomss words invite all readers to come and sit for a spell and soak in meaning through his proactive wisdom and then go out and try it! His book is a page-turner that anyone involved in the profession should pick up and read immediately. As an educator, I was very fortunate to experience his lessons in person and will always appreciate his great leadership and facilitation. Frank Thomss words and ideas stick, and that is important! Linda E. Ellis, special education team chair, Gill-Montague Regional School District, MA

As a fellow teacher, I am not surprised that the lessons in Teaching That Matters identify many of todays weaknesses in our education system. In response, Frank Thoms offers exciting and innovative cures, most of which are direct and very doable. Frank Gould, 3rd grade teacher, retired, Enfield, New Hampshire

It is so important that the wisdom and perspective of a master teacher be shared with the next crop. Gael Sherman, school psychologist, retired

Franks commitment to and enthusiasm for teaching is second to noneand he truly gets it. Frank understands that excellent education is the result of teaching which is alive, student centered, and always changing depending on the classroom of learners. He believes that excellent teachers continue to grow and continue to get better every day. Rich Perry, retired principal

Frank Thoms is one of the rare educators that has the ability to enthusiastically engage learners. As my former teacher, his innovative ways of looking at teaching were inspirational. If you are ready to be inspired, then Teaching That Matters is for you! Maribeth Tremblay, 5th grade teacher, Hopkinton Elementary School, Hopkinton, MA

Teachers will surely appreciate what Frank Thoms has assembled. His chapters give targeted how-tos without teacher talk. At the same time, Frank presents lively case studies that bring those classroom moments to life. Elissa Matta, StudioStrategize, owner

Teaching That Matters

Engaging Minds, Improving Schools

Frank Thoms

Published by Rowman & Littlefield

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.

4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706

www.rowman.com

16 Carlisle Street, London W1D 3BT, United Kingdom

Copyright 2015 by Frank Thoms

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available