Todd Whitaker is a professor of educational leadership at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. He is a leading presenter in the field of education and has written more than 40 books, including the national bestseller, What Great Teachers Do Differently.
Madeline Whitaker is an elementary school teacher in Springfield, Missouri.
Katherine Whitaker is a former middle school teacher who now teaches high school in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Learn all the essentials for making your first year of teaching a success! In this exciting new book, internationally renowned educator Todd Whitaker teams up with his daughters—Madeline, an elementary teacher, and Katherine, a secondary teacher—to share advice and inspiration. They offer step-by-step guidance to thriving in your new role and overcoming the challenges that many new teachers face. Topics include:
The book is filled with specific examples and vignettes from elementary, middle, and high school classes, so you’ll gain helpful strategies no matter what grade level and subject area you teach. You’ll also find out how to make tweaks or hit the "reset" button when something isn’t going as planned. Things may not always go perfectly your first year, but the practical advice in this book will help you stay motivated on the path to success!
Bonus: As you read the book, get even more out of it by discussing it with others. Free study guides for practicing teachers and student teachers are available as eResource downloads from our website (www.routledge.com/products/9781138126152).
“Loaded with common-sense best practices, the authors give remarkable insights into classroom management. This book will be a catalyst for helping new educators hone their craft of teaching at any level or content area through the use of proven strategies and reflective questions. Your First Year models equitable instructional practices while giving timely advice through real-life examples.” —Gail A. Epps, Program Manager, New Teacher Induction, Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland
"Your First Year is not only an essential "must read" for new teachers, but is also an inspiring reminder to experienced teachers about the nuts and bolts of a classroom that support learning. The Whitakers have managed to translate volumes of research on effective pedagogy into a very practical and useful book that I imagine will be found in the teacher's library well-worn from constant reference." —Phillip S. Rogers, Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)
"Your First Year is designed to bring out the best in new teachers. It is a great combination of practical application and research-based practices that goes beyond the typical classroom set-up and procedures by exploring how to troubleshoot when things don't go as planned. As a principal, I would want my new teachers to read this book to guide them on their first year of teaching. With the Whitakers' book to guide them, new teachers will be primed for a successful school year, and students will be the winners." —Jayne Ellspermann, Principal of West Port High School, Ocala, Florida and President, National Association of Secondary School Principals (2016-2017)
“Your First Year is a book all teacher candidates and first year teachers should be required to read. The sound and practical advice in structuring and managing the classroom is invaluable, and the important interaction tips will help keep more of our young teachers in the classroom. Without a doubt, this book contains the essence to survival and becoming an effective teacher.” –Dr. Charles Kent Runyan, Professor, College of Education, Pittsburg State University
"The advice the authors provide is positive and encouraging, and serves to prevent some potential (and predictable) problems in the classroom. It is also a great review/reference guide for veteran teachers who are seeking to tune up their current teaching practices."—Linda Biondi, MiddleWeb, middleweb.com