Rebecca Wilke - The First Days of Class: A Practical Guide for the Beginning Teacher

Copyright 2003 by Corwin Press.

First Skyhorse Publishing edition 2018

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Michael Dubowe

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-3696-2

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-3702-0

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Preface

W elcome to the wonderful world of education! The journey ahead of you is full of fantastic opportunities and fun adventures. Although you could have selected numerous career options, I believe that you have chosen the one that will have the greatest impact on society for generations to come. After all, what could be more challenging yet packed with positive potential than working with children?

No matter where you are in the process of becoming a professional in the field of education, you are not alone. Studies show that approximately 200,000 new educators are entering the profession each year, and the demand for qualified teachers to work in todays classrooms continues to increase (Darling-Hammond, Berry, Haselkorn, & Fideler, 1999; Wong & Wong, 1998). Indeed, almost two million teachers will be needed before 2010 (Fideler & Haselkorn, 1999).

As you take your first steps forward in this exciting experience, remember that there are people and resources available to assist you as well. Thats what The First Days of Class: A Practical Guide for the Beginning Teacher is all about! This book is designed to help you in starting your new career, even if you are the following:

Beginning your first year of teaching

Returning to teaching after being out of the field for some time

Substitute teaching

Just hired on an emergency contract because of your subject matter expertise

Considering changing careers

Working in a practicum at a school site

In the midst of student teaching

Finishing your graduate work in education

Preparing a rsum to send to school districts

Just entering an education program

Thinking about becoming a teacher

Looking for new ideas to improve your classroom instruction as well as make better connections with students diverse needs

Mentoring novice teachers to support emerging professionals

Renewing your own commitment to your profession

After over 14 years in K12 settings, I am well acquainted with the demands placed on todays educators. We are asked to prepare young people for their futures in a multicultural world where expanding forms of technology will be everyday necessities. In addition, teachers are expected to fill the roles of nurse, counselor, friend, confidant, coach, psychologist, advocate, referee, parent, and much, much more. Thats why Ive interwoven practical ideas with current educational theory in this easy-to-use guide for exceptional teaching. It is from one educator to anotherfrom someone who has, if youll excuse the colloquialism, been there, done that.

The First Days of Class starts by asking you to reflect upon who you are as a person and professional as well as to analyze where you hope to go in this educational experience. There are specific chapters designed to help you create a classroom environment conducive to optimum learning as well as organize and plan your curriculum and instructional methods. Current educational theories on student learning and language and diversity issues are discussed in depth. Most important, The First Days of Class will literally walk you though what you can expect during a complete year in the classroom. Whether you are an elementary or secondary school teacher, you will find timeless tips that will help you continue to grow as a professional in the field of education.

As you look at the process involved in becoming an exceptional educator, you may be uncertain of how to even begin. Perhaps this story that Arun Gandhi tells about his famous grandfather will be an encouragement to you. When a would-be protg came to seek his advice about how to excel in life, Mahatma Gandhi asked an aide to give the young man a bucket and to escort him to the latrines. There he was told to begin cleaning. After several hours, the weary worker returned to Gandhi to ask the purpose of this task. His reply was simple. Before greatness can ever be achieved, one must be willing to start slowly and simply in learning how to serve others. Hopefully you will never have to start your career by cleaning the bathrooms (although I must admit that Ive had to supervise restrooms at certain school sites!), but dont expect to start at the top, either. The road to excellence begins right where you are, taking one small step at a time in this wonderful, rewarding career!

Acknowledgments

Many blessings to Nancy Kelly, Dr. Jimmy Phelps, and the myriad of teachers and educators who taught me how to love learning, enjoy life, and, in turn, reach out to others in my world. Your words and wisdom still guide me today, and Ill be forever grateful for being able to spend time with you.

Corwin Press extends its thanks to the following reviewers, whose contributions are gratefully acknowledged:

William Fitzhugh, Reisterstown Elementary School, Reistertown, MD

Brenda Hartshorn, Moretown Elementary School, Moretown, VT

Steve Hutton, Beechwood Elementary School, Ft. Mitchell, KY

Kenneth Klopack, Funston Elementary School, Chicago, IL

Bonnie Watson, Owensboro Middle School, Owensboro KY.

Wanted

M en and women with the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, and the ability to prepare the next generation for productive citizenship under highly adverse and sometimes dangerous conditions. Applicants must be willing to fill gaps left by unfit, absent, or working parents, satisfy demands of state politicians and local bureaucrats, impart healthy cultural and moral values andoh yesteach the three Rs. Hours: 50-60 per week. Pay: Fair (getting better!). Rewards: mostly intangible.

Anonymous

About the Author

Rebecca Lynn Wilke, Ed.D., is a university professor as well as an educational and leadership consultant. Dr. Wilke has worked with children and adults of all ages in public and private school settings for over 20 years. In addition, she and her husband, Dr. Steve Wilke, operate LEADon, Inc., an organization dedicated to transforming the personal and professional lives of corporate leaders across America. They provide pre-employment assessment, executive coaching, high-performance team building, group training, and leadership evaluations for everyone from interns to executives.

Dr. Wilke is a graduate of the University of Southern California where she specialized in Educational Leadership and Multicultural Education. She can be reached on the World Wide Web at .