First Class Teaching
10 Lessons You Don't Learn in College
1. Edition April 2023
208 Pages, Softcover
Practical Approach Book
The go-to book for new teachers who need practical strategies, not textbook theory
Are you a new teacher preparing to transition from college to the real-world classroom? First Class Teaching: 10 Lessons You Don't Learn in College will help you dodge the struggle and burnout that many new teachers face.
Let's be real--many of the strategies you learned in school are unrealistic and ineffective in a classroom. When faced with this challenge, what do you do instead? Pick up this book to bridge the gap and familiarize yourself with ways to prepare for stepping foot into the classroom. You'll find relatable stories that will make you feel less alone and equip you with simple and effective strategies that you can implement immediately to make your first few teaching years a whole lot easier.
When you read First Class Teaching, you'll feel like you're connecting with a "teacher best friend." Skip the cliched advice and discover how you can ignite your enthusiasm for the classroom, , get students engaged, build relationships, deal with a lack of planning time, and more.
* Read relatable stories of real-life teacher who overcame burnout, poor student behaviors, difficult administration, and more.
* Learn strategies that you can implement right away to overcome the difficulties that often lead new teachers to burnout.
* Get excited about teaching with motivational insights and advice that's more what is learned in college courses.
* Hit the ground running as a new teacher, thanks to these tried-and-true tips from experienced educator
Whether you're overwhelmed as a recent college graduate in your first K-12 teaching job or a veteran K-12 teacher looking to rediscover your passion for the profession, First Class Teaching will give you novel ideas and strategies to implement in your .
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Practice What You Teach 9
Chapter 2: Don't Be a Teacher of All Trades Be a Master of One 29
Chapter 3: Relationships Aren't Built in a Day 53
Chapter 4: Pencil It in But Play It by Year 71
Chapter 5: What a Student Throws Up Must Come Down 91
Chapter 6: When Teaching Gives You Stress, Go to Recess 109
Chapter 7: You Can Be Saved by the Bells and Whistles 123
Chapter 8: A Classroom Isn't Always Cleaner on the Other Side 139
Chapter 9: Don't Get Your Stickers in a Twist 153
Chapter 10: You Can't Have Your Apple and Eat It Too 167
About the Author 183
Index 185
- Anna DiGilio, M.Ed, Founder & CEO of Guided Readers and a 24-year veteran classroom teacher
"Michelle brings humor and relatability to the stressful job of a new teacher. Her encouraging lessons will help all teachers gain confidence and clarity in the not-so-ordinary experience that is teaching!"
- Susan Jones, owner of Susan Jones Teaching
"First Class Teaching leads to front row learning. This book has you defining, refining, and shining in your classroom. A thoughtful playbook to help any educator be more intentional with their students."
- Michael Matera, Teacher, Author, & Founder of EMC2Learning
"Michelle Emerson, an educator and leader, offers the necessary guidance to navigate the world of education in and outside of the classroom. Her relatability and easy to implement steps will have every teacher, new and veteran, feeling empowered to tackle the complexity of the profession."
- Bridget Spackman, The Lettered Classroom, Central Pennsylvania
"First Class Teaching is a breath of fresh air--not written by a self-proclaimed educational expert, but by 'one of us.' In candidly sharing her own classroom experience, Michelle Emerson validates the emotions and challenges that new teachers face, while providing the kinds of helpful tips that would have veteran teachers nodding in agreement."
- Shannon Olsen, Author of Our Class is a Family