Teacher Training Books

I haven't had a lot of time to pour over this yet, but it seems like it will be a great resource. It came highly recommended to me. I like that you can pick and choose the elements that are the most crucial to your program to start with.

I will definetly incorporate it for my after-school staff trainings

When I first heard about the Bringing Yourself to Work project I thought - "This is amazing! Emotional intelligence is such an important component of success for school-age staff and school-age programs. This is just what the field needs!".

Then I discovered that Michelle and Pat had written a book on the subject. I quickly ordered one and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The stories about the interactions that staff has with children are so genuine and the steps to reaching a better understanding of yourself and your workgroup are so easy to comprehend that it makes you want to call a staff meeting to get started right away!

The impact of an emotionally intelligent self and staff cannot be overstated and The Model for Change provides step-by-step instructions and encouragement that help the reader connect to the material in a meaningful way. It is motivational and inspirational to realize that the "soft skills" that are not so readily recognized as indicators of academic success but are indicators of life success can be developed and enhanced in everyone.

I heartily recommend this book particularly for folks in the fields of education, child care, school-age care, or youth development. However, the truth is that any reader can benefit from the principles and exercises included in this book.

Most teachers and school administrators recognize that they rely heaviliy on paraeducators for the success of inclusive education. Unfortunately, many paraeducators have vague job descriptions, inadequate preparation, and poor supervision, and as a result, have difficulty fulfilling their roles. Pickett and Gerlach propose strategies that seem to be very reasonable ways to address these needs proactively. If this book were put into practice in schools, most issues with paraeducators could be eliminated.

Most teachers and school administrators recognize that they rely heaviliy on paraeducators for the success of inclusive education. Unfortunately, many paraeducators have vague job descriptions, inadequate preparation, and poor supervision, and as a result, have difficulty fulfilling their roles. Pickett and Gerlach propose strategies to address these needs proactively. If this book were put into practice in schools, most issues with paraeducators could be eliminated.

This book helped me to eliminate time wasted on disruptive behaviors in my classroom, making me MUCH more effective as a teacher. It enabled me to spend more time teaching and less time fighting with children. A MUST for any teacher!

Every new endeavor starts somewhere and this book is a great place to start thinking about your organization's first online educational offerings. Author Robin Neidorf combines the basics of good teaching and instructional design with the realities of the online medium. She explores the different types of adult learners (perpetual learner vs. outcome oriented learners) and how to address them. She explores the factors that lead to e-learning success: collaborative community, availability of material that appeals to six different learning types, the ability of the instructor to connect with the students individually, the need for feedback, and more.

If you're going down this path for the first time, this book provides an excellent framework for approaching your project. The author also provides valuable references to online resources.

Highly recommended.

Teach Beyond Your Reach is a terrific resource for everyone who has to deliver knowledge from a distance. True, professional teachers and trainers who need to move their courses online will benefit from Neidorf's systematic approach to developing online instruction as well as her highly engaging and supportive writing style. However, others who find themselves in an unfamiliar teaching role -- for example, non-profits creating courses for their members or librarians delivering online information skills training -- will also appreciate the author's discussion of adult learning styles, her coverage of various distance teaching tools and activities, and her jargon-free presentation. This excellent resource is an easy-to-use, informative, and actionable guide of great value for anyone contemplating teaching at a distance, especially online. I have used it several times for course preparation, and always benefited from Neidorf's practical recommendations.

Training is part of my business, and Teach Beyond Your Reach has been both educational and energizing for me. It is the perfect companion to have at your side when you are making the leap from in-person to distance teaching. The book coaches teachers and trainers on the fundamental concepts and processes behind effective distance instruction, on making a connection when you are not there in the classroom. It is for teachers, not necessarily for techies. Chapter 1 surveys the range of tools and technologies involved, but the focus is on the teaching/learning aspects--adapting core learner-centric teaching skills to the new environment. Aside from the "distance" aspect, the book is useful for tips about communicating with learners no matter what the communication medium. College teachers, professional trainers, and organizations offering continuing education to their constituents could all benefit from this book.

Instructors interested in better meeting student needs through different teaching approaches will welcome TEACH BEYOND YOUR REACH: AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE TO DEVELOPING AND RUNNING SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE LEARNING CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, TRAINING SESSIONS AND MORE. Distance learning is one of the fastest-growing learning options in the country, allowing individuals to earn degrees, certifications and gain skills without entering a classroom. TEACH BEYOND YOUR REACH covers the basics of a successful distance learning approach and shares practices and examples from successful teachers. A fine pick for any teacher entering the cyberworld.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch