Teacher Training Books

While the Wongs have created a well-written, nicely-detailed and generally-helpful how-to for teachers, especially new ones, the book also can be maddeningly frustrating as well.
The book, as other critics have noted, is focused on the elementary school teacher, not the middle/junior or high school teacher. Some of the strategies and techniques do, indeed, work at the upper levels.
For example, all teachers, regardless of grade level, need to use a seating chart, an attention-getting signal and a daily "do-now" exercise. And the Wongs outline these ideas effectively.
But the Wongs have, unfortunately, based many of their ideas on the assumption that a teacher has his or her own room, to do with as he or she pleases. Such is not the case with most upper-level teachers.
I used this book during my first year of teaching, which wasn't that long ago. I still use it today. I found it helpful back then, and still find it helpful now. Taken with the proverbial grain of salt, there is much here that will be helpful for the beginner as well as for the novice.
Still, as other critics have noted, there are several cheaper, better books out there. For beginners, I recommend "Rookie Teaching for Dummies" -- yes, it's part of the now-famous "Dummies" series. There's good stuff there, and not just for the beginning elementary school teacher.

I received this book from the alternative certification program that I was enrolled in and found it to reiterate everything they told us in training. I would never purchase this book for myself but I guess it was good to hear the same information more than once!

these books came when ordered. No gliches. We like the material in this book and we have the videos of Harry K Wong as well. Great stuff.

This is a excellent book for any first year teacher. It is full of highly
useful information on how to deal with your first days of school. Rate It
A++

I am absolutely enjoying "The First Days of School." I am a teacher with twenty-seven years teaching experience. After an illness and a change in teaching assignment, I found that I had become stagnant and overwhemed with new job requirements, including techology systems and grade reporting. "The First Days of School" is great for new teachers, as well as veteran teachers who need the motivation to continue doing the job of educating young people. It rekindled a spark that had become dormant after many years. This is a great roadmap!

This text is difficult to read. It may be great for speech pathologists, but not great for teachers.

I found this to be an excellent resource helping me to understand principles for teaching reading to my students.

I am a primary teacher and I found this book enjoyable and easy to read, yet packed with interesting and relevant information. Highly recommended as a beginning text on the phonetics, phonology, morphology and orthography of the English language.

...well, at least it's not near as bad as we have been lead to believe the last few decades, no thanks to the "Whole Language," or in my opinion, the "Half Language," and it's proponents (i.e. Hillary?). It's sad that this book, which in all honesty, just simply lays out the basics of English language structure is so fascinating and "new" to most teachers in public education, especially of K-3. It is now becoming all but required reading for most grad programs and school districts smart and motivated enough to implement Reading First grants. However, Moats has only scratched the surface of education with her work; Keep going!

I bought this book a few years ago after attending the International Dyslexia Association Conference and seeing Louisa Moats speak. She gave the audience of Denver teachers the "language survey" to see what we all knew about language. I stumbled on quite a few of the questions and thought "why would this be important?" but knew in my heart that the reason I was asking was because I didn't know the answer.

This book is a wealth of information and I too think it should be required text in reading courses and it is in California. But, I have realized that although I am exceedingly passionate about the knowledge it can give to all teachers K-12, it can be a difficult read. I realized this when I gave it to some colleagues I and they told me it was dense at times, hard to read and hard to digest without someone to talk about it with who understood the concepts, even though they whole heartedly wanted to gain the knowledge.

Regardless of where you are at as a learner, this book has something to offer you if you want to learn more about the language essentials behind reading instruction that all of us should know, but may not have been taught. This book even deserves to be used in a book study professional development group, college class or for the reader who wants to learn more about language and it's impacts on reading.

Using this book for a grad. course on collaboration and consultation. So far, the information it's provided seems to be quite valuable.

I do not know how I got two books ordered unless it was when I was trying to do the free book offer you had. I was denied credit however. Maybe this is how it happened. I was unhappy that I had to pay shipping on the book I had to send back. I do not need two of the same book. The book is very helpful for the class I am taking I will want to keep it for reference in the future.

Arlene

Much of the same information repeated throughout the chapters. Also would like to see chapters shifted around. didn't think the order was appropriate or logical.

I bought this book as a requirement for a class, but am finding it easy to read and full of useful information.

This book does make some important points about teaming, but is generally a waste of time and money. It is filled with common sense information, and each chapter can be easily summarized in a few short sentences.

If you are a teacher who is looking for some innovative methods for the classroom, this is your book. The methodology that pulses at the heart of this guide will undoubtably transform the lives of your students. Purchase a copy of Mrs. G's "secret sauce" today, and, as Mrs. G puts it, "Teach one to teach another"!

I have been using the Freedom Writers Diary for eight years in my class. Students love this book. I teach at risk kids who struggle reading and getting them to read any book is a major achievement. The Teachers Guide helps teachers: use the Diary, introduce other books and create a sense of family in your class in the order of Room 203. You will find that this book will become worn out from use.

The Freedom Writers Diary is an incredible book for teenagers to read, and this book will help any teacher use the FWD to motivate and inspire students. The Teacher's Guide contains practical activities that tie into the book but can also be used independently. Several of the activities, such as the Line Game and the Toast for Change, were featured in the Freedom Writers movie. All of the activities are tied to NCTE standards, and they are all ready to use. This book will help educators teach reading and vocabulary skills, but it will also help them reach their students. The Freedom Writers Diary is an incredibly powerful book for teens, and the Freedom Writers Teacher's Guide is the best teacher's guide I've ever used.

This is the only book I used while studying for the Praxis II: PLT, and I won the ETS Recognition of Excellence Award. It is very thorough and has good review of the materials and numerous practice tests. I highly recommend it.

Having now taken my Praxis II exam, I have to say that this book prepared me for the multiple choice mostly. The practice case studies in the book are too easy. The scenarios they give are farily basic and the questions are straight forward. On the actual test, things were a little more in depth. I liked the book, but I just fet like it had me a little over confident. Use this book, but check out some other materials too.

This study guide was an excellent way to prepare for both the content and format of the Praxis PLT. I used it for Grades 7-12 and had no trouble passing it. I have not taken any college level education courses in over 20 years, so the information in this guide was crucial for me in reviewing current issues and "buzz" words in education today. I highly recommend this book for anyone trying to prepare for the Praxis PLT.

Easy to read and VERY INFORMATIVE. I wish I would have know about this book earlier.

I purchased this study guide after reading several of the reviews. I am too impressed with the overall quality of this book. It provides preview tests and practice tests for Early Childhood, K-6, 5-9 and 7-12. I began studying three months before the test and used one other reference text book; Effective Teaching Methods by Gary D. Borich. I passed both the Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and the Content Area Exercise on the first try. Now on to student teaching--Yeah!!

The school I began teaching out is a small, rural high school that has no mentoring program. In lieu of such a program, the principal gave each of us new teachers 101 "ANSWERS" FOR NEW TEACHERS AND THEIR MENTORS which we read through and discussed together during our first year on the job. The book is a combination self-help/encouragement book. The 101 "answers" in the book are basically just tips for teachers who are starting out in their careers. The sections in the book are divided up into six categories: classroom management, planning, instruction, professionalism, motivation and rapport, and a teacher's influence. Most of the "answers" are words of encouragement. Overall the book is directed more towards elementary teachers than secondary teachers. Some of the situations and advice given just aren't applicable with high school students. I did find a few of the tips in the classroom management and planning section to be useful, such as giving students productive bellwork to work on at the beginning of class. However, tips like these that I actually found helpful, are only a handful of the 101 "answers." Most of the "answers" have to do with things like reminding yourself why you went into education, treat everyone you meet with respect, you are making a difference, and Rah! Rah! Rah! Go Team! Go!, you can make it after all. Overall, this is just an average advice and encouragement book directed more towards elementary teachers than those at the middle school and secondary level.

We have purchased this book for the last three years for all of our new teachers. In addition we are purchasing it this year for every mentor in our district. It is an excellent resource for new teachers as they experience the range of situations presented to them in their teaching environment as rookies. It is a practial resource for mentors and a reminder of their importance. Many of the practial tips are used in our induction program and as conversation topics at monthly support meetings. In my opinion, this book is a must have for every teacher!

This is one of the best books I could have ever bought. I am a student teacher right now and I learned a variety of strategies just from reading this book. It makes you want to just go out and conquor the classroom. I would reccommend any teacher, or prospective teachers to buy this book! It is wonderful. Thank you Ms. Breaux!

Hands down, the best book for teachers on the market. Very practical and extremely user-friendly. I ordered a copy for all of my teachers - not just the new ones and mentors. The `Answers' in this book are for EVERYONE.

I like this book because I feel it is very important for all teachers, whether or not they are mentors or beginners, to remember what it is like to be a new teacher. I think that everyone can benefit from being reminded how to act appropriately with their students and their fellow teachers. The tips presented in the book are easily accessible and easily implemented.

I have also had the pleasure of hearing Ms. Breaux speak and was very impressed. She speaks like she writes!

I purchased a book for every teacher. Their responses have been very positive. It has renewed the spirit of the veteran teachers and has provided another learning tool for the new teachers. Thanks to Annette Breaux for this common sense book!

I followed all the advaice in the book and did poorly. I would have been better served using the CBEST on-line practice tests.

"Cracking the CBEST" book is an excellent source of material. It explains in great detail how to solve the problems of reading, mathematics, and writing. Though the methods of cracking the problems are simple, it gave me confidence that under stress of test taking I can succeed because the solutions do not bombard you with over explanations. Everything is simply laid out and I felt that I didn't have to guess for the answers because the solutions teaches you how to approach each problem. I felt confident taking the two tests at the end of the book and even scored better on the second test! For someone who suffers from test anxiety, I feel confident taking the CBEST test next week because now I have the tools and the positive attitude to follow through. And that's no easy task for me! I say buy this book because you will not regret it.

This book completely prepared me for the CBEST. The tips on how to tackle the questions were right on the mark. If you do the essay's how they tell you to do them, you will pass the first time! I did exactly what they said and followed the book to a "t". Worked like a charm. I hope they offer cset books but I don't see any right now.

I took my CBEST test this weekend and this book helped provide me with tips to be prepared for the test. It also helped ease my anxiety. I was worried about the essay section and by reading through the essay examples, it showed me that the essay grading standard is not as bad as I thought it would be.

Two things made this study guide worth the purchase price. #1. I got the big picture of what I would be tested on. I was able to see what kind of questions I'd be asked and identify my weak areas for brush-up study and review. #2. I used the full-length practice exams to study for the real test. I passed by a wide margin.

Very informative for the first year literacy coach. Great tips for working with administrators and teachers. Easy to read. I highly reccomend it.

I have just completed my first year as a Literacy Coach. I had an opportunity to read Cathy Toll's book this summer. It really gave insight to the role and responsibilities of a literacy coach. The book serves as an excellent resource.

I picked up this book as soon as it was published and I needed to hear what Cathy A. Toll had to say. Her advice was practical and her information invaluable as I worked through my first year as a coach.

I got this as a gift and I have to say I LOVED IT! Very helpful and a relief to have some advice.

I really liked this book. It's easy to read and really helpfull for a psychologist who is starting his or her career.

This book gives good dialogue type examples for many common situations encountered in therapy. There were many things one may not have even considered - like calling out the name of a client you've not yet met to identify them in the waiting room instead of announcing your presence so they can identify themselves to you. Who would have thought about preserving confidentiality in the way you first identify your new client? It makes sense, but it may not have occurred to you. The book is that way throughout. Lots of good sense, some concrete examples on implementing them, and situations you may not even have thought to ask about and how to handle them.

Becoming a Therapist is the only book I have seen that covers this topic in a clinically relevant and non-intimidating way. It's extremely readable and covers the perfect range of topics from the first phone call to termination. We use this book in an introduction to therapy course for first year psychiatric residents. The book is universally praised by them (and the only book they all buy). I believe that this book is particularly well-suited for the beginning therapist and teachers of beginning therapists. I loved this book and recommend it highly!

I assumed this book would contain more detailed reasons about what therapists should say and why. What I read was mostly very simple and boring dialouges between therapist and patient, but these are just examples that repeat themselves throughout the book. I painfully made it halfway through the book before I decided to completely give up on any interesting sentence that I might come across. I think it's one of the worst books and a waste of time and money.