Think about it: there are books on how to do just about everything: cook; find a relationship, end a relationship; care for your cat; play golf, tennis, football; exercise; live longer and healthier; clean your house; improve writing, improve reading; make a will; start a business; invest in the stock market; learn about computers-and on and on.
THERE ARE NO BOOKS ON HOW TO TEACH –at least, not to my knowledge.
Where does a new teacher turn? Where is the manual for an experienced teacher, seeking support and, perhaps, some fresh ideas? To what reference can an aspiring teacher go? I want to share with them my zest for teaching, my classroom experiences, and my guidelines- to assist them.
I taught courses in secondary schools for many years (and now teach in college) and believe I was, am, the best teacher on “the eastern seaboard.” More importantly, I loved it. Teaching is a calling, a thrill, when “all the cylinders are clickin”- at least, it was for me. It is difficult, exhausting, exhilarating, exasperating, challenging, magical-and fun.
A Teacher’s Manual could help teachers on the job and those hoping to teach, parents, school boards, school administrators, schools of education, and politicians. The main part of the book is dedicated to the 50+ guidelines of teaching, along with my experiences, my vision for education, and my reactions to such issues as testing, technology, vouchers, classroom discipline, and more.
