Thoroughly revised edition of the bestselling resource for new teachers--complete with discussion questions, downloadable handouts, and a staff development guideThis award-winning book gives beginning educators everything they need to survive and thrive in the classroom. The third edition covers new material including working as a part of a professional learning community (PLC), teaching media literacy and social responsibility, incorporating Common Core State Standards, handling "e;homework push-back"e; from parents, changes in classroom technology, techniques for motivating students, seeking feedback, and much more. A fully revised edition of a trusted resource, offering solutions to challenges and typical scenarios encountered by new teachers Bonus CD features downloadable versions of the book's checklists, forms, worksheets, and self-assessments Includes Discussion Questions and a handy training guide for Professional Development providers This popular resource offers teachers an essential guide for knowing what to expect when they begin their career and ideas for solving classroom problems.

Julia G. Thompson has been a public school teacher for more than thirty-five years. Through her Web site (www.juliagthompson.com) and Twitter handle (@TeacherAdvice) she offers tips for teachers on a wide variety of topics.

Everything Beginning Educators Need to Survive and Thrive in the Classroom

USE THIS BOOK FOR PD! Features a free downloadable guide for PD trainers

The completely revised and updated edition of the best-selling First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide offers beginning teachers a wide variety of tested strategies, activities, and tools for creating a positive and dynamic learning environment while meeting the challenges of each school day. The book is filled with valuable tips, suggestions, and ideas that help teachers with everything from becoming effective team players and connecting with students to handling behavior problems and working within diverse classrooms.

This new third edition covers changes in K12 education over the past five years as well as the basics of teaching and classroom management that have made the book a trusted resource for new educators.

Updates include information on how to

• Teach in an overcrowded classroom
• Find teacher freebies and create a productive classroom environment on a budget
• Use digital tools to design and deliver innovative, engaging, relevant lessons
• Help students prepare for standardized tests and other assessments
• Handle "homework push-back" from parents and guardians
• Help students learn to assume responsibility and become self-disciplined learners
• The book includes a bonus DVD with video instruction on key topics as well as downloadable versions of the worksheets and much, much more.

Praise for The First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide

"This useful guide gives new teachers a wealth of practical information, resources, and tools. Whether she's helping readers to handle tough classroom challenges or coaching them on how to develop a professional demeanor, Thompson's experience shines through on every page."

Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and Practice Perfect

"To get through your first year of teaching you need a friend, a trusted colleague, a mentor. You need someone who is there for you, believes in you, and cheers you on! Thompson is that friend, colleague, and mentor you can to turn to anytime you need."

Andrea Honigsfeld, EdD, professor, Molloy College, New York

"This book will be your most treasured resource as a new teacher! You will turn to it often for the comfort and inspiration you need as well as to sustain the passion you brought to teaching in the first place. The practical tips on collaboration, instructional strategies, freebie resources, student engagement, behavior, and more will empower you every step of the way."

Pat Wyman, founder, HowToLearn.com; author, Amazing Grades

I. Assume Your Professional Responsibilities

Section One: Know What It Means to Be a Twenty-First-Century Educator 1

Section Two: Develop the Practical Skills You'll Need to Manage a Classroom 35

Section Three: Collaborate with Others in Your School and Community 73

II. Establish a Learning Community

Section Four: Begin a Successful School Term 107

Section Five: Develop Positive Classroom Relationships 139

III. Promote Student Achievement

Section Six: Control Class Time 175

Section Seven: Manage Your Classroom 201

Section Eight: Motivate Students to Succeed 221

IV. Design and Deliver Effective Instruction

Section Nine: Choose Appropriate Instructional Strategies and Resources 259

Section Ten: Design Effective Instruction 279

Section Eleven: Deliver Engaging Instruction 303

Section Twelve: Meet the Needs of All of Your Students 331

Section Thirteen: Assess Your Students' Progress 365

Section Fourteen: Level the Playing Field by Covering Basic Skills 401

V. Maintain an Orderly Environment

Section Fifteen: Prevent Discipline Problems 427

Section Sixteen: Manage Discipline Problems 447

Section Seventeen: Learn to Solve Classroom Problems 483

DVD Contents xv

About the Author xix

Acknowledgments xxi

About This Survival Guide xxiii

I Assume Your Professional Responsibilities

Section One: Know What It Means to Be a Twenty-First-Century Educator 1

The Challenges of Our Changing Profession 2

You Can Manage Your Professional Challenges Successfully 3

Professionalism: The Powerful Force Underlying Everything We Do 4

Your Professional Responsibilities 5

Developing a Refl ective Practice 9

Teacher Worksheet 11: Template for Professional Self-Refl ection 11

Teacher Worksheet 12: Characteristics of Successful Teachers 12

Teacher Worksheet 13: Learning from Exemplary Teachers 13

Learning from Role Models and Mentors 14

Seeking Feedback on Your Professional Performance 15

Teacher Worksheet 14: Making the Most of Peer Observations 16

Using the Evaluation Process to Improve Your Teaching Skills 17

Teacher Worksheet 15: How Observers Will Evaluate You 19

Teacher Worksheet 16: Data Tracking Sheet 22

Maintaining Sustained Professional Growth 25

Teacher Worksheet 17: Are You in Charge of Your Career? 26

Teacher Worksheet 18: Track Your Professional Goals 30

Learning to Manage Your Stress 31

Best Practices Checklist 32

Time to Reflect: What It Means to Be a Twenty-First-Century Educator 33

Section Two: Develop the Practical Skills You'll Need to Manage a Classroom 35

Arrange Your Own Work Area 35

Become an Efficient Teacher 42

Teacher Worksheet 21: Meet Your Classroom Priorities 44

Teacher Worksheet 22: Teacher's Daily To-Do List 47

Teacher Worksheet 23: Checklist of a Teacher's Weekly Reminders 49

General Tips for Managing School Papers 50

How to Organize and Manage Student Information 53

How to Grade Papers Quickly 54

Tips for Managing Electronic Files 56

Tips for Managing E-Mail 56

How to Maintain Your Class Web Page 57

How to Save Paper 58

Optimize Your Use of the Photocopier 59

Prepare Your Classroom for Students 59

How to Protect School Resources 66

How to Request Repairs 67

Classroom Safety Issues 67

Best Practices Checklist 70

Time to Refl ect: Develop the Practical Skills You'll Need to Manage a Classroom 71