Alex Kajitani – författare

New teachers, experienced teachers, retired teachers. They’ll all be inspired and re-energized by these 101 stories about what matters most—knowing that they make a difference. You’ll laugh along with their adventures, tear up over their heartwarming experiences, and feel proud… because it all starts with teachers.These stories remind us that teachers have a lasting impact. And these writers share the best lessons they learned from the ups and downs of their educational journeys. It’s a fascinating look inside the classrooms of teachers—from preschool to high school and beyond — and how teachers truly shape the future. This collection is a gift to all the teachers out there—a fun, moving read and a big thank you for all they do!

With foreword by Harry K. Wong

Change is coming at us from all angles: technological, cultural, social, and environmental. This presents a great challenge (and a great opportunity) in schools and in the teaching profession. With Owning It, you''ll discover an array of easy-to-implement strategies designed to help you excel in the myriad of modern-day responsibilities of teachers and educators: classroom leader, mentor, colleague, team member, and public professional.

This book will empower teachers to own their careers, teach effectively, and develop strong relationships:Acquire straightforward strategies for dealing with everyday situations found in classrooms, schools, and communities.Understand the multifaceted role of a teacher in today''s schools and how to balance the numerous responsibilities -- from classroom management to relationships with colleagues.Feel inspired and motivated to bring out the best in yourself as well as in your students.Observe creative approaches to improve teaching strategies and student engagement.Answer reflection questions to connect with and relate to the strategies covered in the book.

Contents:

Part 1: Owning It in Your Classroom: Strategies for Creating an Environment of AchievementChapter 1: Revisit Your Personal Philosophy''s ValueChapter 2: Make the Most of the First Five Minutes of Any ClassChapter 3: Increase Your Classroom Presence to Seem Like You''re Everywhere at OnceChapter 4: Never Sabotage a Teachable MomentChapter 5: Help Students Learn Out Loud and Still Keep a Handle on Your ClassroomChapter 6: Transform Your Perception of Data and Help Your Students SucceedChapter 7: Think Outside the Bubble on All-Important Standardized Tests

Part 2: Owning It With Your Most Challenging Students: Strategies for Succeeding With At-Risk and Struggling Student PopulationsChapter 8: Bring Ethnic Identity and Culturally Relevant Curriculum Into Your ClassroomChapter 9: Close the Achievement Gap With At-Risk StudentsChapter 10: Succeed With At-Risk YouthChapter 11: Manage Disruptive Classroom BehaviorChapter 12: Establish a Negotiation With At-Risk and Struggling StudentsChapter 13: Reel Parents in With Three Basic StrategiesChapter 14: Empower Students by Putting Them in Charge

Part 3: Owning It at Your School and District: Strategies for Succeeding as a Member of a Staff TeamChapter 15: Turn "Not Another Meeting" Into "Let''s Get to Business!"Chapter 16: Help Your School''s New Teachers Succeed (and Stick Around)Chapter 17: Improve Schools by Minding Collegial Generation GapsChapter 18: Approach a Colleague About a ConflictChapter 19: Five Ways to Make Shared Positions Work for Teachers, Students, and Administrators

Part 4: Owning It in Your Community: Strategies for Making a Positive Impact Beyond Your School and ClassroomChapter 20: Turn Potential Foes Into Supportive AlliesChapter 21: Put the Spotlight on Your SchoolChapter 22: Get Teachers Into the Community and the Community Into TeachersChapter 23: Step Up and Share Your Ideas With Fellow EducatorsChapter 24: Make Blogs an Essential Support Mechanism for Teaching

Evolve your craft while staying grounded in best teaching practices. Alex Kajitani offers readers a fun and meaningful resource packed with practical tips for making the most of an online classroom environment. From sign-on to sign-off, use these strategies to ensure your students feel welcomed, engaged, and empowered to own their learning. In addition, gain self-care ideas that will help you be your best.

Readers will:Learn how to present well on camera and keep students engagedIncorporate best practices for online instruction and classroom management in the online environmentNurture an online classroom community committed to learning, equity, and comraderyImplement virtual assessment strategies to maintain academic integrity and growthDiscover self-care practices while teaching onlineContents:IntroductionChapter 1: Looking Good on CameraChapter 2: Building Relationships With StudentsChapter 3: Engaging StudentsChapter 4: Managing Your ClassroomChapter 5: Pulling in Parents and GuardiansChapter 6: Creating a CommunityChapter 7: Organizing Your LessonsChapter 8: Assessing StudentsChapter 9: Ensuring EquityChapter 10: Differentiating LearningChapter 11: Taking Care of YourselfConclusion: The Last Tip!References and ResourcesIndex

Introducing your guide to navigating the seemingly endless swirl of questions facing new and veteran teachers. Trusted education experts Tom Hierck and Alex Kajitani draw from their experiences to offer research-backed tools and strategies in an easily referenced FAQ format. With wit and wisdom, they address the aspects of teaching that are often unacknowledged to help educators be better equipped for the year ahead.

This book will help you:Build healthy relationships with students, parents, and guardiansCreate a classroom environment where everyone feels safe, seen, and confidentPlan engaging lessons that inspire all students to learn at high levelsBecome aware of secondary traumatic stress symptoms and map out ways to stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthyAdapt practical strategies you can implement immediately to support student success Contents:IntroductionChapter 1: How Do I Set Up My Classroom?Chapter 2: How Can I Build Relationships With My Students?Chapter 3: How Should I Manage My Class?Chapter 4: How Do I Get Students to Behave?Chapter 5: How Do I Plan and Deliver Engaging Lessons?Chapter 6: How Do I Know When Students Have Learned?Chapter 7: How Do I Work With Students’ Parents and Guardians?Chapter 8: How Do I Take Care of Myself?Epilogue: Building a Long-Term Career as an EducatorReferences and ResourcesIndex

Becoming a school principal is challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Written by experienced leaders, this book provides new and seasoned principals with practical, on-the-spot advice. Learn to establish a common school vision, build a strong school community, and manage day-to-day tasks with confidence. Achieve transformative results and find joy in your new role with this essential resource. K 12 principals and aspiring principals can use this book to:Build collaborative teams of teachers and staff to achieve school goals and a unified visionEstablish clear, open communication practices to facilitate growth and ready supportCreate a vibrant school culture that supports learning, community, and school visionHone instructional practices to lead teachers and students with trust and authenticityEncourage colleagues leadership development and continued professional learningContents:IntroductionChapter 1: How Do I Develop My Vision? Chapter 2: How Do I Build Powerful Positive Relationships?Chapter 3: How Do I Communicate Effectively?Chapter 4: How Do I Develop a Positive School Culture?Chapter 5: How Can I Be an Authentic Instructional Leader?Chapter 6: How Do I Manage Professional Growth and Learning?Chapter 7: How Do I Build Leadership in Others?Chapter 8: How Do I Fit In My Additional Responsibilities?EpilogueReferences and ResourcesIndex