The Teacher's Survival Guide: Real Classroom Dilemmas and Practical Solutions

by Marc R. Major

Overview

Based on extensive research as well as the author's own teaching and mentoring experience, this lively book covers best practices in the essentials of teaching-from organizational tips to proven pedagogic and classroom management techniques. It combines insights from some of the most respected psychologists and educational thinkers with hundreds of firsthand discussions. In style, the book combines the intellectual rigor of a college textbook with the readability, practical relevance, and appropriate humor common to bestselling how-to manuals. While avoiding oversimplification, the author has distilled this vast reservoir of expert wisdom into an easily-digestible guidebook packed with diagrams, interviews, anecdotes, and case studies. The result is both enlightening and enjoyable to read.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578868889
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	07/25/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	360
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Marc R. Major was a teacher and mentor in Colorado and California. He is now a consultant and trainer with Clearwater Strategy, LLC.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Cultivating a Classroom Culture
Chapter 2 Who Are Your Students?
Chapter 3 Preparing for the First Week of School
Chapter 4 Communication Essentials
Chapter 5 Classroom Management I (Prevention and Minor Trouble)
Chapter 6 Classroom Management II (Chronic and Severe Trouble)
Chapter 7 Other Survival Tips

What People are Saying About This

Betsy Schmechel

"This book is a tremendous help to educators at every stage of their careers and in every role, because it:
- focuses on how to create classroom cultures that make a difference in the lives of students
- acknowledges the crucial role that teachers play in setting up the environment and structures that enable students to learn and grow
- recognizes and celebrates the art as well as the science of teaching
- is practical, funny, and courageous
- addresses the specific needs of new teachers
- is focused on the integrity of the role of the teacher
- identifies the need for teachers to model and inculcate the values of tolerance and mutual respect
- takes a calm approach
- addresses the tough issues that teachers face daily in a responsible, forthright manner
- tackles the issue of bullying with courage, integrity, and sensitivity"--(Betsy Schmechel - Assistant Principal, Arlington High School (CA))

Brian Sevier

"Marc Major's Classroom Dilemmas and Practical Solutions asks us to remember what's really important in education and gives concrete suggestions that I believe can help teachers and students reclaim and achieve human, social, and academic goals. I would highly recommend this book for teachers and teacher-educators across the educational spectrum!"--(Brian Sevier - Professor of Education, University of Colorado (CO))

David Cluff

"Major's book is an exceptionally well written, easy to follow guide with wonderful narrative and research and solid advice that teachers need without qualification. It is motivating and positive, with lots of examples and lots of help for the first year teacher in particular. It includes excellent chapters on the critical subject of classroom management, with many recommendations for things teachers need to know and practice so they can get through the classroom management hurdles of the first few years and see the beauty of teaching. This book would be a very good source for education students at college seeking certification because it has the details most education classes do not provide. In fact, anyone in public education who avails himself or herself of Major's practical advice will automatically become a better teacher. An awesome achievement."--(David Cluff - Principal, Lone Rock School (MT))

Sandra Goins

"A great book. It makes me miss teaching. I wish I'd had it in my hands 21 years ago when I started my teaching career. Major has created a comprehensive guide to teaching that's heavy on compassion. I'm confident that teachers and their students will greatly benefit from the thoughtful pieces on tolerance and bullying. Every classroom teacher should read it."--(Sandra Goins - Executive Director, South Bay United Teachers (CA))

Debra Anderson

"Inspiring, refreshing, sparkling and practical! New and veteran teachers alike, and others who read Marc Major's book, The Teacher's Survival Guide: Real Classroom Dilemmas and Practical Solutions, will recognize that creating and managing a classroom culture conducive to student success is paramount in preventing and minimizing disruptions. It is a refreshing alternative to traditional texts. It sparkles with reader-friendly, researched-based and thought-provoking ideas; sprinkled throughout are meaningful charts, graphs, and illustrations. True to its title, this book depicts exemplary and real dilemmas and solutions for solving management issues. Readers will gain a multitude of practical ideas."--(Debra Anderson - Professor of Education, Minnesota State University (MN))

Editorial Reviews

Major's book is an exceptionally well written, easy to follow guide with wonderful narrative and research and solid advice that teachers need without qualification. It is motivating and positive, with lots of examples and lots of help for the first year teacher in particular. It includes excellent chapters on the critical subject of classroom management, with many recommendations for things teachers need to know and practice so they can get through the classroom management hurdles of the first few years and see the beauty of teaching...In fact, anyone in public education who avails himself or herself of Major's practical advice will automatically become a better teacher. An awesome achievement.” —David Cluff, principal, Lone Rock School (MT)

“Indeed the ideals of mutual respect and care central to Major's definition of positive classroom culture recur thematically throughout Classroom Dilemmas and Practical Solutions. Chapters and sub-chapters on teacher-parent, teacher-administrator, and teacher-staff interactions are imbued with real-world examples and suggestions that emphasize the significance of communication, understanding, and patience in the teaching enterprise. Ultimately, Major reminds us of the need to constantly evaluate the quality of all human relationships within the schooling context; a need that is common to all teachers.” —Brian R. Sevier, PhD, assistant professor of education, University of Colorado— Boulder

“What strikes me about the book is the author's ability to weave pedagogy and practicality into an accessible text. The narrative and real-life examples via an anecdotal lens present a balanced picture of the realities-including the risks and pitfalls—associated not only with the new teacher, but with seasoned teachers as well.” —Emily Richards-Moyer, Poudre Valley Schools, Fort Collins, CO

“[This is] a great book...[The author has] provided a comprehensive guide to teaching that's heavy on compassion. I'm confident that teachers and their students will greatly benefit from the thoughtful pieces on tolerance and bullying. Every classroom teacher should read it.” —Sandra Goins, executive director, South Bay United Teachers (CA)

“Inspiring, refreshing, sparkling and practical! New and veteran teachers alike, and others who read Marc Major's book will recognize that creating and managing a classroom culture conducive to student success is paramount in preventing and minimizing disruptions. It is a refreshing alternative to traditional texts. It sparkles with reader-friendly, researched-based and thought-provoking ideas; sprinkled throughout are meaningful charts, graphs, and illustrations. True to its title, this book depicts exemplary and real dilemmas and solutions for solving management issues. Readers will gain a multitude of practical ideas.” —Debra J. Anderson, professor, education studies, Minnesota State University—Mankato

“This book is unique in that it can be picked up, thumbed through, and used as a quick reference. This is due in part to incredibly well-planned organization of the material and smart layout. The book strikes an amazing balance between quick guide and literary read. Both the practical and philosophical aspects of teaching are presented with intelligence, wit, and calm wisdom and are then expounded on in a useful manner. Anyone in education would find it simultaneously refreshing, familiar and applicable.” —Meredith Ostlund, Jacksonville University, August 1, 2009, Education Review

“This book is a breath of fresh air for educators who want practical, common-sense tools they can apply immediately. It would be a godsend for new teachers, especially those in alternative certification programs or whose formal preparation is otherwise limited. It would also be useful for:
- Mentors of new teachers, to give them a common vocabulary and basis for discussion with their proteges
- Teachers placed on a growth plan, or who have self-selected professional growth goals
- Principals or APs who need tools for coaching teachers” —Gail Hartin, Ph.D., Director of Undergraduate Programs, Department of Teaching and Learning, Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human

“One of the first books I've encountered that offers realistic dilemmas faced by not only new but veteran teachers, and then offers solutions that are just as realistic... It illustrates the wide range of issues a new teacher must face. But it also leaves them with hope that the issues are not insurmountable.” —National Education Association Online

“The book is organized in such a way that it is almost a step by step plan to help teachers create a good learning environment. Throughout the entire book, the author provides different resources and easy-to-follow suggestions. Overall, the book is a useful and creative resource to be kept at hand by novice practitioners that are starting to walk the path of a teaching career.

If we were all able to do what this book set forward, then our classrooms would always be places where to feel excited and satisfied with the work we do. And for new and veteran teachers alike, this is certainly a great reward.” —Eduardo Caviernes Fernandez, University of Wisconsin, Education Review

From the Publisher

This book is a breath of fresh air for educators who want practical, common-sense tools they can apply immediately. It would be a godsend for new teachers, especially those in alternative certification programs or whose formal preparation is otherwise limited. It would also be useful for: - Mentors of new teachers, to give them a common vocabulary and basis for discussion with their proteges - Teachers placed on a growth plan, or who have self-selected professional growth goals - Principals or APs who need tools for coaching teachers

Gail Hartin

[This is] a great book...[The author has] provided a comprehensive guide to teaching that’s heavy on compassion. I’m confident that teachers and their students will greatly benefit from the thoughtful pieces on tolerance and bullying. Every classroom teacher should read it.

Sandra Goins

The book is organized in such a way that it is almost a step by step plan to help teachers create a good learning environment. Throughout the entire book, the author provides different resources and easy-to-follow suggestions. Overall, the book is a useful and creative resource to be kept at hand by novice practitioners that are starting to walk the path of a teaching career. If we were all able to do what this book set forward, then our classrooms would always be places where to feel excited and satisfied with the work we do. And for new and veteran teachers alike, this is certainly a great reward.

Education Review - Eduardo Caviernes Fernandez

Inspiring, refreshing, sparkling and practical! New and veteran teachers alike, and others who read Marc Major's book will recognize that creating and managing a classroom culture conducive to student success is paramount in preventing and minimizing disruptions. It is a refreshing alternative to traditional texts. It sparkles with reader-friendly, researched-based and thought-provoking ideas; sprinkled throughout are meaningful charts, graphs, and illustrations. True to its title, this book depicts exemplary and real dilemmas and solutions for solving management issues. Readers will gain a multitude of practical ideas.

Debra J. Anderson

Indeed the ideals of mutual respect and care central to Major's definition of positive classroom culture recur thematically throughout Classroom Dilemmas and Practical Solutions. Chapters and sub-chapters on teacher-parent, teacher-administrator, and teacher-staff interactions are imbued with real-world examples and suggestions that emphasize the significance of communication, understanding, and patience in the teaching enterprise. Ultimately, Major reminds us of the need to constantly evaluate the quality of all human relationships within the schooling context; a need that is common to all teachers.

Brian R. Sevier

What strikes me about the book is the author’s ability to weave pedagogy and practicality into an accessible text. The narrative and real-life examples via an anecdotal lens present a balanced picture of the realities—including the risks and pitfalls—-associated not only with the new teacher, but with seasoned teachers as well.

Emily Richards-Moyer

This book is unique in that it can be picked up, thumbed through, and used as a quick reference. This is due in part to incredibly well-planned organization of the material and smart layout. The book strikes an amazing balance between quick guide and literary read. Both the practical and philosophical aspects of teaching are presented with intelligence, wit, and calm wisdom and are then expounded on in a useful manner. Anyone in education would find it simultaneously refreshing, familiar and applicable.

Education Review - Meredith 'stlund

One of the first books I've encountered that offers realistic dilemmas faced by not only new but veteran teachers, and then offers solutions that are just as realistic... It illustrates the wide range of issues a new teacher must face. But it also leaves them with hope that the issues are not insurmountable.

National Education Association Online

Major’s book is an exceptionally well written, easy to follow guide with wonderful narrative and research and solid advice that teachers need without qualification. It is motivating and positive, with lots of examples and lots of help for the first year teacher in particular. It includes excellent chapters on the critical subject of classroom management, with many recommendations for things teachers need to know and practice so they can get through the classroom management hurdles of the first few years and see the beauty of teaching...In fact, anyone in public education who avails himself or herself of Major’s practical advice will automatically become a better teacher. An awesome achievement.

David Cluff

One of the first books I've encountered that offers realistic dilemmas faced by not only new but veteran teachers, and then offers solutions that are just as realistic... It illustrates the wide range of issues a new teacher must face. But it also leaves them with hope that the issues are not insurmountable.

August 2009 National Education Association Online

This book is unique in that it can be picked up, thumbed through, and used as a quick reference. This is due in part to incredibly well-planned organization of the material and smart layout. The book strikes an amazing balance between quick guide and literary read. Both the practical and philosophical aspects of teaching are presented with intelligence, wit, and calm wisdom and are then expounded on in a useful manner. Anyone in education would find it simultaneously refreshing, familiar and applicable.

Education Review, (Online) - Meredith Ostlund