Corwin Teaching Essentials – serie

Be the change that lights the learning fire.

Facing a classroom of attentive, focused, and ready-to-learn students is a teacher’s dream. Nevertheless, this is not always the reality, and pulling students along when they don’t seem interested is frustrating. Too often, a teacher’s daily experience does not align with the dream. 

This book is here to show how you, as a classroom teacher, can generate enthusiasm, confidence, and joy in your students. You can affect motivation and make a difference in their lives. Delve into the what, why, and how by reflecting on your own experiences and unpacking multiple factors that affect motivation. Then, learn how to spark motivation using practical, research-informed strategies that address how to

Hone student grouping, rewards, technology, and competition for positive impact Confront and disarm testing conflicts to make assessments a pleasant student experience Examine and empower teacher–student relationships Rethink rules and procedures to improve behavioral outcomes  

Read this book and you’ll come away prepared to implement strategies that rekindle a love for learning.

 

Click here to listen to Carol's summer advice: https://us.corwin.com/en-us/nam/files/corwin-blog-be-the-wavem4a Illuminate your education path with uplifting lessons and mindful living practices.    It takes courage, positivity, and passion to thrive as a teacher. This vivid and inspirational guide offers educators practical wisdom and strategies to promote their wellbeing and balance.   Carol Pelletier Radford shares 10 important lessons she has learned in a long career as an educator that can help you build a fulfilling and lifelong career in education. In each lesson, readers will find: • Stories of resilience from classroom teachers • Self-care tips and assessments • Podcasts with inspiring teachers and leaders who have lived out the 10 lessons • Reading plans for teachers, teacher teams, and mentor/mentee pairs • Ways to dive deeper with additional companion website resources Teaching With Light equips courageous teachers with the tools they need to take care of themselves so they can serve their students, step into leadership, and contribute to the education profession. 

"It is a pleasure to have a full length treatise on this most important topic, and may this focus on transfer become much more debated, taught, and valued in our schools." - John Hattie Teach students to use their learning to unlock new situations. How do you prepare your students for a future that you can’t see? And how do you do it without exhausting yourself? Teachers need a framework that allows them to keep pace with our rapidly changing world without having to overhaul everything they do.

Learning That Transfers empowers teachers and curriculum designers alike to harness the critical concepts of traditional disciplines while building students’ capacity to navigate, interpret, and transfer their learning to solve novel and complex modern problems. Using a backwards design approach, this hands-on guide walks teachers step-by-step through the process of identifying curricular goals, establishing assessment targets, and planning curriculum and instruction that facilitates the transfer of learning to new and challenging situations. Key features include

Thinking prompts to spur reflection and inform curricular planning and design. Next-day strategies that offer tips for practical, immediate action in the classroom. Design steps that outline critical moments in creating curriculum for learning that transfers. Links to case studies, discipline-specific examples, and podcast interviews with educators. A companion website that hosts templates, planning guides, and flexible options for adapting current curriculum documents. 

Using a framework that combines standards and the best available research on how we learn, design curriculum and instruction that prepares your students to meet the challenges of an uncertain future, while addressing the unique needs of your school community. 

Nautilus Gold Award Winner (Books for a Better World) in Social Sciences & Education Create inclusive, democratic classrooms that prepare knowledgeable, compassionate, and engaged global citizens.

Today’s global challenges—climate change, food and water insecurity, social and economic inequality, and a global pandemic—demand that educators prepare students to become compassionate, critical thinkers who can explore alternative futures. Their own, others’, and the planet’s well-being depend on it.

Worldwise Learning presents a “Pedagogy for People, Planet, and Prosperity” that supports K-8 educators in nurturing “Worldwise Learners”: students who both deeply understand and purposefully act when learning about global challenges. Coupling theory with practice, this book builds educators’ understanding of how curriculum and meaningful interdisciplinary learning can be organized around local, global, and intercultural issues, and provides a detailed framework for making those issues come alive in the classroom. Richly illustrated, each innovative chapter asserts a transformational approach to teaching and learning following an original three-part inquiry cycle, and includes:

Practical classroom strategies to implement Worldwise Learning at the lesson level, along with tips for scaffolding students’ thinking. Images of student work and vignettes of learning experiences that help educators visualize authentic Worldwise Learning moments. Stories that spotlight Worldwise Learning in action from diverse student, teacher, and organization perspectives. An exemplar unit plan that illustrates how the planning process links to and can support teaching and learning about global challenges. QR codes that link to additional lesson and unit plans, educational resources, videos of strategies, and interviews with educators and thought leaders on a companion website, where teachers can discuss topics and share ideas with each other. Worldwise Learning turns students into local and global citizens who feel genuine concern for the world around them, living their learning with intention and purpose. The time is now.

An equitable, inclusive and practical application of culturally responsive teaching that transcends learning environments

Educators in the 21st century are teaching diverse learners across a range of learning environments, while attending to critical issues related to equity, inclusion, and social justice. Now there’s a resource to help you merge the essential skills of embedding culturally responsive teaching practices into online and in person learning settings. Using the Dynamic Equitable Learning Environments (DELE) framework, you can build the knowledge, awareness, skills, and dispositions to pivot instruction to facilitate equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist learning experiences that transcend cultural, social, and linguistic backgrounds—no matter where, when, or how your students do their learning.

Combining an interactive workspace with teacher preparation and professional development, this book provides an action planner and toolkit for embedding culturally responsive teaching into online and in person instruction. Other features include:

Demonstrative, inspirational, and culturally responsive practical approaches for online and in person educational settings Self-reflection questions, anti-bias exercises, and critical-thinking activities that support equity-mindedness Culturally sustaining checklist templates Links to additional responsive online resources, readings, and culturally relevant media Action plan templates to work through in each chapter Additional Call to Action practices to pursue after completing the book

When you commit to culturally responsive teaching, you want to build your own capacity to provide every learner, in every educational setting, the ability to connect with the curriculum in authentic and equitable ways. This book enables you to do just that by providing the pedagogical strategies to meaningfully engage all learners, especially in online settings, and ensure that your class is inclusive, decolonized, and takes into account the diverse lived experiences of all learners, their families, and communities.

Build civil discourse with courage, understanding, belonging, and empathy.Discomfort lies at the heart of all learning and growth, especially concerning discussions on difficult and complex topics like climate change, slavery, and police brutality. This book presents ways to help teachers become strong facilitators—not endorsers—of contentious conversations to promote a stronger sense of community.There are four themes that arise when exploring civil discourse: courage, understanding, belonging, and empathy. This book is organized around these themes, each chapter providing resources for educators to teach the skills of discourse with: How-to tips for bringing work beyond the classroomChapter checklists to guide progress and assess learningExploration of different types of discourse (dialogue, discussion, debate) and when to use eachSteps for preparing a classroom for contentious conversationsActivities to practice discourse and disagreementAddressing the problem of how to have politically and emotionally charged conversations in the classroom, this book guides 6-12 educators – particularly teachers of history, civics, ELA, and other social studies and humanities disciplines -- in facilitating discussions based on fact, intellectual reasoning, and mutual respect.

“Serena Pariser and Victoria Lentfer provide answers to common questions that linger in the brain of a newer teacher. As a newer teacher myself, I wish a book like this existed when I started out. This book is engaging, informative, and so much more. Each section includes helpful tips and is easily organized and accessible. This book is truly an amazing guide for newer teachers, and I highly recommend it as it will form the perfect basis for that exciting and powerful start of a new journey. Teaching can be many things, but this book is truly a game changer for anyone starting out.”

—Susan Jachymiak Teacher, Leader, and Author

Create a positive and energetic classroom where learning can flourish.

This insightful, friendly guide to establishing a dynamic classroom is a lifeline of practical support for teachers, providing answers to your biggest questions at the moment you most need them.

Through instructional tools, teaching tips, classroom examples, reading suggestions, and more, Answers to Your Biggest Questions about Creating a Dynamic Classroom equips teachers to embark on the path of success toward building a positive and energetic learning environment. It details brief, actionable answers to your most pressing questions in five areas of effort:

How do I build an affirming classroom community? How do I keep students at the center? How can I design effective, fun, and engaging learning for students? How can I make assessments work for me and my students? What are the things I need to know that are rarely discussed in a teacher training program?

This is a resource to keep handy on your desk and reach for often for establishing a vibrant and welcoming classroom community. Practical guidance on topics such as communicating with parents, asking for administrator support, and maintaining a work/life balance, help teachers not only succeed in the early years of teaching, but thrive.

Do the work. Do it with care.

This is a book about love. That is, the active, earnest, and intelligent pursuit of our neighbors’ good. Teachers embody this kind of love; we seek and serve the wholeness of others.

At the center of this love lies Dave Stuart Jr.’s philosophy that every teacher of every subject area in our schools has the potential to enrich students’ lives long-term through the power of student motivation. From art and physical education to science and social studies—schools can make good on their promise and this book will show you how. Join Stuart in this personable journey by tackling student motivation through

The Five Key Beliefs of credibility, value, effort, efficacy, and belongingTen strategies for incorporating the Five Key Beliefs into everyday teachingCommon struggles for each strategy and how to overcome themA companion website with additional resources, videos, and downloadables

Do the work. Do it with care. These inspirational guideposts will help us all build a world in which all schools can be both productive and humane.

Elevating the essential work of today’s teachers

Teaching is life-giving work, essential for the development of thriving humans. It is devastating to hear teachers refer to themselves as “just teachers” as if they are powerless and without status. What if we turned the phrase’s meaning upside-down and claimed its redemptive power? “Just teachers” care for each student. Teachers who are just, cultivate freedom, justice, and flourishing.

This book will have readers "just teaching" in the best sense of the phrase! Just Teaching has been written for teachers who want to develop the best ways to serve students based on research on how students learn. This book shows how to use appropriate tools, based on the wisdom of generations of educators, in a focused, sustainable way. Readers will find:

evidence-based practices to support student feedback, engagement, and wellbeing (for students and teachers, too) case studies from familiar classroom perspectives useful technology suggestions   solutions tools for building an overarching approach to meeting the needs of individual students

By addressing feedback, engagement, and well-being in ways that are founded on justice and love for students, Just Teaching supports comprehensive, manageable learning while elevating the essential work of educators.

A low-tech, highly-practical planner everyone wishes for—and every teacher needs

Renowned educator Jim Burke discovered that teaching at the top of your game requires low-tech, low-profile moments for picking up a pen, reflecting, and looking ahead. Maybe that’s why every page of this remarkable planner feels handcrafted with Jim’s wisdom on managing your time, your classes, and your life. You’ll find professional development ideas to nudge you toward new practices as well as the tried and true— with yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily planning pages for setting your own personal and professional goals. Highlights include:

Fill-in pages for long-range dreaming, annual unit envisioning, and short-term planning, as well as downloadable pages for daily ideas and improvisation based on students’ needsPersonal Professional Development (PPD) pages and essential readings to help you focus every month on pressing issues and timeless pedagogy about teaching and learningSpace to help you set personal goals and reflect on them throughout the yearTools to help you plan instructional time and focus on students who need extra support

A planner is never about the lessons--it’s always about the life. It’s about the life and growth of teachers and students and the robust, happy development of one’s days. And there’s no better educator than Jim Burke to remind us of that in Teaching Better Day by Day.

It’s time to shift the narrative — teaching should be joyful and teachers can feel successful…even in the face of challenging circumstances.

During a time when many educators are leaving the profession, others have rolled up their sleeves and shined brightly through the challenges and pressures of the tumultuous education landscape. Countless others are just entering the field, eager to contribute and make an impact on the lives of their students. What can we learn from both of these types of teachers? What are the habits we know that enable teachers to be effective no matter the environment? And how do we build and sustain professional and personal practices that help us rise to every challenge? (Because let’s face it… there are a lot of challenges!)

Habits of Resilient Educators answers these questions, providing teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop habits that will create joyful, successful learning environments for themselves and their students.

As a team of eternal optimists, authors Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee draw from their vast collective experience and research-based knowledge to show the crucial relationship between teacher well-being and student success. What’s more, they provide a practical framework that teachers can lean on to regain control of their mindset and their practice—despite the many factors outside of their control.

This book helps teachers unlock their full potential by

Exploring the why’s and how’s of nine habits such as collaborating, setting high expectations, using data to drive decisions, prioritizing effectively, and moreProviding on-the-spot reflection boxes, note-catchers, and planning tools—as well as at-a-glance “sounds like/looks like” chartsOffering a format that busy teachers can use personally, with a coach, or in a PLC; choose to focus on just one habit at a time, or do a jigsaw study with colleaguesSharing real-life stories of resilience and adaptation from educators that illustrate and bring each habit to lifeDetailing strategies you can use to navigate classroom challenges and develop a positive learning environment amid the complexities of contemporary education

Whether you’re embarking on a personal growth journey or collaborating with colleagues through mentorship, coaching, or professional learning communities, turn to Habits of Resilient Educators to help you achieve teaching habits that will help you thrive, not just survive.

Everything you need to feel confident — and for your students to feel valued — in your classroom

When we think of classroom management, we traditionally think of ways to keep students quiet, well behaved, and on task. Times have changed, though, and our classroom management practices need to change, too. Since the first edition of this book was written in 2018, the world has changed - a lot. This second edition walks teachers through how to keep and even stay one step ahead of our ever changing world. To prepare students for today’s and even tomorrow’s world, we need to consider classroom management as guiding students to work collaboratively, communicate with each other, and ultimately feel a sense of belonging. This is when learners thrive.

In Real Talk About Classroom Management, Second Edition, award-winning teacher Serena Pariser tells it like it is — teacher to teacher — with her relatable writing style and by sharing authentic personal accounts of failures and successes. Serena paves the way for teachers to develop classroom management practices that honor students while helping teachers to feel confident, prepared, and able to face challenges with grace.

With updated research and strategies, this edition includes

Reflection on the changes educators have faced over the past five years, particularly ways that the COVID-19 pandemic and sociocultural concerns have affected students and teachers More emphasis on the importance of developing teamwork, communication, curiosity, and conflict resolution skills in students Enhanced focus on social-emotional skills and how they relate to classroom management Deeper exploration of best practices in instructional design, behavior management, and building relationships with colleagues and caregivers — as well as topics rarely covered in teacher preparation courses such as how to navigate colleague conflict in schools Practical suggestions for avoiding burnout — and knowing when to ask for help

This thorough how-to book is packed with actionable classroom management practices for new and experienced teachers who want to create a lively, engaging classroom that students and teachers feel excited to enter each morning.

Be the best mentor for early career teachers

Mentors are critical to the success of new and aspiring teachers. In a time when so many teachers are leaving the profession within the first few years of their career, empowering mentorship can make a world of difference—not only for teacher retention, but instructional quality and positive student outcomes.

Written for any mentor who is new to the role or wants to reinforce or build upon their existing skills, The Mentor's Guidebook walks you through the core concepts of being an inspiring mentor and guide. Inside, you'll discover

Your personal Mentorship ModalityHow to create an environment for effective mentorship and build and maintain your momentumAn exploration of various mentorship models known to be successfulThe role that school leadership plays in your successWhat to do when things do not go as planned

Help reclaim and reframe the narrative of what it means to be a teacher today. With effective mentorship strategies, you can make a difference in retaining and inspiring new teachers for years to come.

Use technology to focus on your students!

You've heard about blended learning, which mixes online learning with traditional classroom instruction. You have the support of your principal, the backing of your district, and you are ready to take the leap. Now what?

In this step-by-step guide, teacher and education blogger Catlin Tucker outlines the process for integrating online discussion with face-to-face instruction in a way that is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, works for your students, and allows you to focus your energy where it is most needed. Catlin Tucker will teach you how to:

Use the online environment to increase engagement and drive higher-order thinking Design dynamic online discussion questions Create a safe space online Prepare students for high-stakes exams without sacrificing class time Assess online work Personalize learning and differentiate lessons Move toward flipped instruction, which shifts the focus of class time from teacher to student

With concrete strategies, ready-to-use resources, and sample rubrics grounded in the Common Core State Standards, Blended Learning in Grades 4–12 is the ideal tool for the busy 21st-century teacher looking to create a student-centered classroom.

How to ensure your ELA teaching sticks

One thing we know for certain: the Common Core will become yet-another failed initiative unless our curriculum provides a clear, unambiguous picture of how to teach for understanding. The solution? A concept-based curriculum. Where can you learn how to create one? Designing a Concept-Based Curriculum in English Language Arts.

Fusing Lynn Erickson's groundbreaking curriculum model with implementation guidelines and sample units, this important new book will put you on the fast track to using concept-based curriculum in your school or district. Lanning shows you how to design a curriculum that:

Functions as a framework for lesson plansUnites the efforts of ELA teachers district-wideAddresses core standards while focusing on student understandingCreates a ripple effect helping to align curriculum, assessments, and instruction

"Lois Lanning's new book is a clear, practical, insightful, game-changer for teachers who want to move beyond collections of facts or lists of standards to authentic, meaning-rich curriculum. I would have been a much better English/Language Arts teacher with these ideas clear in my thinking! And my students would have been much better served."—Carol Ann Tomlinson, William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor Curry School of Education, University of Virginia

"Lanning's experience and wisdom allow her to see the Big Picture when it comes to teaching kids about the Big Ideas we want them all to grapple with in the course of their time in schools."—Jim Burke, Author of The English Teacher's Companion

Put learning back into the hands of the learner!

Through personalized learning, education as we know it is transformed as learners are empowered to take control of their own learning. This thorough and timely resource draws on Universal Design for Learning® principles to create a powerful shift in classroom dynamics by guiding learners to become self-directed, self-monitoring, and self-motivated.  You’ll discover:

 

A system that includes tools and strategies to reduce barriers and maximize learning for all learners A clear explanation distinguishing personalized learning from differentiation and individualized instruction Teachers’ personal stories of moving through the Stages of Personalized Learning Environments to transform teacher and learner roles and school culture Background information on developing a rationale on why to personalize learning Strategies to create the change that occurs with the culture shift that happens in classrooms and schools as you personalize learning.

Recognized authorities in personalized learning, the authors have led educational innovation for almost three decades.

"As an educator for more than 30 years, I have seen a myriad of ideas to improve education. Personalized learning could truly be the game-changer! Barbara and Kathleen have certainly done their homework in clearly defining what it means to personalize learning. They identify stages that can help teachers gradually adapt their role, moving from a teacher-centered classroom to a learner-driven environment. This book will serve as a valuable handbook as educators make the decision to empower their learners!" - Betty Wottreng, Director of Technology Services, Verona Area School District, Wisconsin

 

 

Solutions for navigating an ever-changing social media world Today’s students face a challenging paradox: the digital tools they need to complete their work are often the source of their biggest distractions. Students can quickly become overwhelmed trying to manage the daily confluence of online interactions with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and family life. Written by noted author and educator Ana Homayoun, Social Media Wellness is the first book to successfully decode the new language of social media for parents and educators and provide pragmatic solutions to help students:

Manage distractions  Focus and prioritize  Improve time-management Become more organized and boost productivity Decrease stress and build empathy

With fresh insights and a solutions-oriented perspective, this crucial guide will help parents, educators and students work together to promote healthy socialization, effective self-regulation, and overall safety and wellness.

"Ana Homayoun has written the very book I’ve yearned for, a must-read for teachers and parents. I have been recommending Ana’s work for years, but Social Media Wellness is her best yet; a thorough, well-researched and eloquent resource for parents and teachers seeking guidance about how to help children navigate the treacherous, ever-changing waters of social media and the digital world." —Jessica Lahey, Author of The Gift of Failure "This is the book I’ve been waiting for. Ana Homayoun gives concrete strategies for parents to talk with their teens without using judgment and fear as tools. This is a guidebook you can pick up at anytime, and which your teen can read, too. I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know." —Rachel Simmons, Author of The Curse of the Good Girl

Ensure personalized student learning with this breakthrough approach to the Flipped Classroom! In the flipped classroom, students need to do more than simply re-watch a video to learn effectively. This groundbreaking guide helps you identify and address diverse student needs within the flipped classroom environment. You will find practical, standards-aligned solutions to help you design and implement carefully planned at-home and at-school learning experiences, all while checking for individual student understanding. Learn to differentiate learning for all students with structured, research-based best practices to help you: Integrate Flipped Learning and Differentiated InstructionUse technology as a meaningful learning tool Implement flexible planning and grouping  Proactively use ongoing formative assessmentsAdjust instruction to support, challenge, and motivate diverse learners Manage the Differentiated Flipped classroomIncludes practical examples and a resource-rich appendix. Make your flipped classroom a true place of learning with this go-to guide! "The expectations for teaching in today’s world are steadily increasing. Students expect their teachers to use technology in instruction. Parents and administrators expect teachers to differentiate instruction to reach every student. In this book you will learn how both models can work in concert. Even more importantly you will learn many practical strategies that will allow you to meaningfully differentiate your instruction while flipping your classroom, allowing you the greatest potential to reach all of your students."—David A. Slykhuis, PhD, President of SITE (The Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education)

Chart a course to innovation using educational technology  Let’s go on an edventure! Do you want to innovate and take risks in your teaching? Looking for ways to troubleshoot common classroom challenges? Whatever obstacles you and your students face can turn into edventures, and this book will show you how to navigate them with grace, humor, and grit. Jennie Magiera charts a course for you to discover your own version of innovation, using the limitless possibilities of educational technology. You will learn: How to create your own Teacher-IEP (Innovation Exploration Plan)Keys to problem-based innovation (PBI)Strategies and solutions for tackling common classroom problemsMethods for putting learning into the hands of studentsHow to find innovation in everyday placesPacked with real-world, immediately applicable solutions to the problems teachers face in their classrooms every day,Courageous Edventures shows how technology can be a fun and easy tool to improve classroom management and student learning!"Magiera leads people on a journey with some great ideas to get started in the classroom right now, or the inspiration to find your own way, leading to innovative ideas for learning and teaching."George Couros, Author of The Innovator′s Mindset and Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Consultant "This book does a superb job of providing practical ideas and strategies on how to actually implement innovative practices in today′s classroom. Her knowledge and experience as a change agent further strengthen the techniques presented and will help educators truly envision what′s possible in classrooms today."Eric Sheninger, Corwin Author and Senior FellowInternational Center for Leadership in Education

Turn natural curiosity into deep, lasting learnings! Inquiry is what drives us all toward new knowledge, but how do we transform children’s natural ability to notice and wonder into the full learning cycle of observing, thinking, and critically questioning?  Through this new edition of the bestselling Why Are School Buses Always Yellow? you’ll find simple, yet systematic ways to develop authentic student inquiry that fosters deep learning. This new edition features:

Updates based on the latest research around inquiry-based teaching Emphasis on turning inquiry into critical thinking, assessing students’ inquiry, and involving families in the inquiry process Examples for K–8 across subject areas New emphasis on critical thinking about technologies New and updated activities, checklists, templates, and implementation tools Alignment with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards

With this invaluable resource, help students transform their playful wonderings into deeper questions about content—and develop the higher-level thinking skills they need for success in school and in life.  "Educators often talk about developing lifelong learners - our team has had great success using Why Are School Buses Always Yellow? to catalyze professional conversations about how we can better cultivate curiosity through an inquiry approach.  I strongly recommend this [new edition] for those who are interested in unlocking the uniquely creative capacity of our youngest learners." Devin Vodicka, Superintendent Vista Unified School District, Vista, CA

Discover the secrets of successful teacher leadership! Every teacher is a leader in their own right. When teachers embrace certain dispositions, knowledge, and skills for leadership, the whole school culture is changed for the better. Whether you’re a teacher who’s ready to take on new roles or an administrator looking to develop strong leaders, this book is for you.  This practical handbook prepares teachers for leadership roles with specific how-tos for the essential skills they’ll need most: running meetings, teaching colleagues, providing feedback, conducting needs assessments, delivering effective professional development, resolving conflicts, employing technology, and more. The book features:

Well-tested content and activities Reflective writing prompts Scenarios for discussion Self-evaluations Two companion guides: one for teachers, and one for administrators 

When teacher leaders work alongside school leaders, the effect on school culture is noticeable. With Every Teacher a Leader, you’ll implement that change successfully—and improve outcomes for teachers, leaders, and students.

“This book makes leadership a concrete, identifiable, and learnable goal for any teacher.  Furthermore, it provides resources to help nurture and leverage the leadership in one’s staff or even in oneself.  Teacher leadership is necessary on every campus and in every district." Heather Wolpert-Gawron, Middle School Teacher & Author, Writing Behind Every Door Los Angeles, CA "Rather than leadership being held in the office of an administrator, this book shows how more impactful leadership actually resides in the classrooms among the teachers. Levin and Schrum lay out a clear path why teacher leadership is truly the leadership we need in our schools and how to get there." Josh Stumpenhorst, Teacher, 2012 Illinois Teacher of the Year Lincoln Junior High School, Naperville, IL

Capture the novice mindset! Get ready to teach as never before, powered by a fresh, brave mindset. With humor and insight, this down-to-earth guide reveals a fundamental principle: the best teachers grow through risk, reflection, and revision. Readers will learn how to:

Sustain the energy and positive qualities of a novice, while building expertise at all career stages Develop a network of support to improve teaching practice Implement new strategies that engage and motivate students

Learn how to teach with the daring of a beginner and a lifelong passion for learning and growth. “Dr. Eckert highlights the value of seeking those “first days” throughout our careers – the joy and nervousness experienced in these transformational moments are critical to have again and again if we are to grow personally and professionally." Patrick Ledesma, Director of Research and Knowledge Management National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Strategies for addressing bullying—ready when you need them. Before bullying surfaces in your school, you need to be ready. This book is organized so you can find the answers you need to make meaningful changes in the way you prevent and respond to bullying. The authors know the challenges educators face. Here they’ve distilled nearly 15 years of research into bite-sized chapters, with strategies and real-world examples to put ideas into action. You’ll learn: Prevention strategies to put in place nowHow to distinguish bullying from other hurtful behaviorsThe connection between cyberbullying and in-person bullyingResponses that work—and ones that don’tBullying Today provides clarity on controversial issues and the complex relationships among your students. It will encourage and empower you to be the solution to bullying at your school and equip you with tools to promote a healthy and vibrant school culture."A common-sense practical approach by authors who have the knowledge and passion to help all who work with students."Deb Bible, Educational ConsultantHanover Park, IL "This is a handy guide to lead schools in meaningful discussions about bullying. It offers best practices that will help educators create a positive bully-free atmosphere in the school environment and beyond."Avis Canty, Instructional Technology FacilitatorGreenville County School District, Greenville, SC

A proven approach to better teaching and learning. Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI), an approach based on the premise that all children can learn, helps teachers deliver well-designed, well-taught lessons that significantly improve achievement for all learners. Authors Hollingsworth and Ybarra have refined and extended their highly successful methods in this second edition of their bestselling book. Written in an easy-to-read, entertaining style, this resource provides K-12 teachers with concrete strategies, detailed sample lessons, and scenarios that illustrate what EDI techniques look like in inclusive and diverse classrooms. With chapters covering the individual components of EDI, such as checking for understanding and activating prior knowledge, this updated edition refines the methods so that they are even more effective and easier to implement. Readers will find:   • Strategies for continuous, systematized student engagement  • Expanded corrective feedback strategies • Clear alignment to the latest content standards • A new, field-tested strategy for skill development and guided practice • Expanded information about differentiation and scaffolding  Combining educational theory, brain research, and data analysis, this is a fine-tuned, step-by-step guide to a highly effective teaching method. "Before EDI, our school was a ship adrift at sea with everyone rowing in different directions. EDI has provided us with a framework for instruction and a common language that allowed us to all row in the same direction.  Benjamin Luis, Principal Liberty Middle School, Lemoore, CA “EDI makes students accountable. They see now that school is a place to work and learn and play, and they love it. Because even though it is hard, they are doing well.” Trudy Cox, School Instructional Coach St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School, Carnarvon, Western Australia  

HOW to Personalize Learning This practical follow-up to Bray and McClaskey’s first book, Make Learning Personal: The What, Who, Wow, Where, and Whybrings theory to practice. Teachers will find the tools, skills, and strategies needed to personalize learning and develop self-directed, independent learners with agency. Discover how to get started and go deeper by building a shared vision that supports personalized learning using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Also included are:

Tools and templates such as the Learner Profile, Personal Learning Backpack, Personal Learning Plan, as well as tips for lesson design and PBL Lesson and project examples that show how teachers can change instructional practice by encouraging learner voice and choice QR codes and links to the authors’ website for electronic versions of tools, templates, activities, and checklists

Create a powerful shift in education by building a culture of learning so every learner is valued.  "If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on what personalized learning is and how to implement it, while being inspired and gaining ideas to implement immediately, this is definitely the book to read!" Diana Petschauer, Assistive Technology Professional, CEO AT for Education & Access4Employment, Wolfeboro Falls, NH “Barbara and Kathleen present well-tested strategies for personalization within a coherent framework. This highly practical book forms a reliable foundation for empowering a community striving to make schools work for all learners.” John H. Clarke, Professor Emeritus, University of Vermont

Shift to blended learning to transform educationBlended learning has the power to reinvent education, but transitioning to a blended model is challenging. Blended learning requires a fundamentally new approach to learning as well as a new skillset for both teachers and school leaders. Loaded with research, examples, and resources, Blended Learning in Action demonstrates the advantages a blended model has over traditional instruction when technology is used to engage students both inside the classroom and online. Readers will find: Breakdowns of the most effective classroom setups for blended learning Guidelines to build a blended learning toolbox of tech and resourcesTips for leaders Ideas for personalizing and differentiating instruction using technology Strategies for managing devices in classrooms and schools Study questions to facilitate professional development and deeper learning Written with system-wide transformation in mind, this is the resource teachers and leaders need to help them shift to a blended learning model and transform education for today′s learning environment.  "The time for blended learning is now and the place is ALL classrooms throughout the country. This book provides educators with essential information and practices that will prepare students for the 21st Century."Kim Weber, 4th Grade TeacherMandell School, New York, NY"This book is different. It is deeper and more serious about creating the change students deserve than most others. The fact that each and every chapter starts out with a student′s perspective confirms that it is built on a vital pedagogical foundation."Brad Gustafson, Principal and Author of Renegade LeadershipGreenwood Elementary, Wayzata, MN

Think Beyond the Facts! Knowing the facts is not enough. If we want students to develop intellectually, creatively problem-solve, and grapple with complexity, the key is in conceptual understanding. A Concept-Based curriculum recaptures students’ innate curiosity about the world and provides the thrilling feeling of engaging one’s mind.  This updated edition introduces the newest thought leadership in Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction. Educators will learn how to

Meet the demands of rigorous academic standards Use the Structure of Knowledge and Process when designing disciplinary units Engage students in inquiry through inductive teaching Identify conceptual lenses and craft quality generalizations

Explore deeper levels of learning and become a Master Concept-Based Teacher.

"This book is smart, wise, and energizing. It honors the disciplines we teach by reminding us of their inherent meaning. It honors teachers with the belief that they grow as human beings through understanding the power of what they teach. It honors students by expecting them to become thinkers capable of reasoned stewardship of the world they live in and will inherit." Carol Ann Tomlinson, William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor University of Virginia, Curry School of Education “As factual and procedural knowledge are a click away, education needs to foster contextualization and higher order thinking through a focus on transferable conceptual understandings. This essential book translates the needed sophistication of concept-based learning into actionable classroom practices.” Charles Fadel, Author of “Four-Dimensional Education” and “21st Century Skills" Founder, Center for Curriculum Redesign Visiting Scholar, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Students become experts and innovators through Concept-Based teaching Innovators don’t invent without a deep understanding of how the world works. With this foundation, they apply conceptual understanding to solve new problems. We want our students to not only retain ideas, but relate them to other things they encounter, using each new situation to add nuance and sophistication to their thinking. To do this, they need conceptual understanding. This book serves as a road map for Concept-Based teaching. Discover how to help students uncover conceptual relationships and transfer them to new situations. Specifically, teachers will learn:

Strategies for introducing conceptual learning to students Four lesson frameworks to help students uncover conceptual relationships How to assess conceptual understanding, and How to differentiate concept-based instruction

Look no further. For deep learning and innovative thinking, this book is the place to start. "The authors tear down the false dichotomies of traditional vs innovative education and provide a practical toolkit for developing creativity and applying knowledge through Concept-Based learning. Every practitioner needs this book to juxtapose what worked well in the 20th Century with what is essential in the 21st Century and beyond." Michael McDowell, Superintendent Ross School District, Ross, CA "While most good educators recognise the incredible value of teaching conceptually, it is challenging. The authors have created accessible, practical baby steps for every teacher to use." Dr. Vincent Chan, principal Fairview International School, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Thoughtful Design Guide for Maximum PBL Impact When problem- and project-based learning (PBL) is designed and delivered effectively, it has the potential to create confident and competent learners. Educators must know how to thoughtfully design projects that move students from surface to deep and transfer learning. Bridge the gap between expected PBL success and real-life classroom implementation by diving deep into the design for new and existing projects. Through in-depth examples, discover how to make three shifts essential to improving PBL’s overall effect: Clarity: Students should be clear on what they are expected to learn, where they are in the process, and what next steps they need to take to get thereChallenge: Help students move from surface to deep and transfer learningCulture: Empower them to use that knowledge to make a difference in their life and the lives of othersBe the key to help students discover, deepen, and apply their learning to a world beyond them. "This is an outstanding resource for educators, providing a practical framework for creating effective and impactful PBL experiences. We are committed to strengthening our PBL practices and we look forward to adding this valuable resource to our professional reference library."Rachel Bergren, MSc, Director, Education and Guest ExperienceThe Marine Mammal Center "Michael McDowells book provides powerful insights to ensure the conditions essential for PBL are present for increased impact on student learning. This magnificent book provides educators with practical ways to design authentic and ′ever-lasting′ learning."Sarah Martin, PrincipalStonefields School, New Zealand