Full Description
"This is the best book on how to ask for help and search out opportunities if you want to be an effective teacher."
Harry K. Wong, Author
The First Days of School: How to Be An Effective Teacher
Take responsibility for your own learning by learning from others.
As a new teacher, you need help! The inspiration and encouragement which mentorship provides is crucial during the first (and toughest) months of teaching. This book gives you all you need to fully recognize and utilize the valuable rewards uncovered throughout the mentoring process.
Thought-provoking and action-generating discussions reveal how to become a proactive protégé, making this book a wonderful resource in the preparation of prospective teachers. A step-by-step approach illustrates the unique perspective of receiving mentorship, and how to make the most of it. Topics discussed include:
Building trust and clarifying communication
Identifying who does what
Learning from watching
Deciding where to focus your efforts
Planning your professional growth
Before you can profit from experience, you must acquire it. This book reveals the unique skills necessary to interpret and put to use the guidance, wisdom, instruction, and assistance of a mentor and become a self-empowered, proactive protégé.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
1. Participate
Take the Initiative
Developing the Relationship Takes Time
Earn and Keep Your Mentor's Trust
Clarify Communication
2. Take Responsibility
Don't Wait, Instigate
Feedback and How to Receive It
When to Give Feedback
Mismatched Mentoring Relationships
Responsibility to Yourself
Responsibility to Others
Get to Know Your Principal
Clarify Ground Rules Early
3. Observe
Be an Objective Observer
What to Observe
Expand Your View
Don't Imitate, Create
4. Ask
Whom to Ask
Where to Ask
How to Ask
What to Ask For
Why Ask?
5. Chart Your Course
Find Out What You Don't Know
Set Priorities
Identify Resources
The Power of Planning
6. Network
Support From Collegial Groups
Guidelines for Support and Discussion Groups
Networking on the Internet
Working With College and University Professors and Cohorts
7. Take Informed Risks
Look Before You Leap
Should You or Shouldn't You?
Help the Risk Succeed
Risk With Conviction
8. Reflect
Keep a Professional Learning Journal
Guided Reflection
Focused Reflection
9. Give Back
Leave a Legacy
Be a Change Agent
Experienced Newcomers
The Gift of Renewal
Resource A: Internet Sites and Publications for New Teachers
Resource B: Professional Education Organizations and Their Web Pages
Resource C: Chatboard Exchange on the Internet
References
