Learners First: Purpose and Practicality in Your Early Years of Teaching

Practical advice, inclusive strategies, meaningful impact.  The early years of teaching can be exhilarating and overwhelming in equal measure. Drawing on over 50 years of combined experience in public schooling, coaching, and higher education, authors Denise Furlong and Keri Orange-Jones equip novice educators with the tools, insights, and perspectives they need to thrive in today’s classrooms. Learners First applies an equity lens to a range of topics essential to every teacher’s first years in the classroom, including grading and assessment, inclusive practices for diverse learners, key considerations for multilingual learners, and more. Additional features include Chapter-opening reflection questions and key vocabulary to support understanding Quotes and vignettes from a diverse range of educators, including novice teachers, seasoned mentors, instructional coaches, and administrators Practical advice for lesson planning, assessments, evaluations, and behavior management With its holistic approach to the whole child and the whole teacher, Learners First empowers educators to foster inclusive classrooms and develop as resilient, reflective professionals. This essential guide is more than a "survival guide" for new teachers—it’s a call to action and growth.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Dangers of a Deficit Mindset Chapter 2: Understanding and Surviving the Evaluation Chapter 3: Grading & Assessments/Project-based Learning Chapter 4: The ABCs of School: I&RS, RTI, MTSS, and SEL Chapter 5: Implementing Inclusive Practices in the Diverse Classroom Chapter 6: Access and Inclusion for Learners with Diverse Needs Chapter 7: English Learners and Multilingual Learners Chapter 8: Dynamic and Responsive Learning Chapter 9: Professional Learning and Growing Chapter 10: Thriving in this Profession

About the Author :
Dr. Denise Furlong: Dr. Furlong is an Assistant Professor/Director of Advanced Programs for Reading Specialists and ESL for Georgian Court University. She has taught for over twenty-five years in the New Jersey public school system, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. She also has mentored and coached both novice and veteran teachers over the years. She is the author of Voices of Newcomers: Experiences of Multilingual Learners (EduMatch, 2022). She lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband, Tim, her three kids (Ryan, Joey & Sarah), and their two dogs. You can connect with her on Twitter/X @denise_furlong. Dr. Keri Orange-Jones: Dr. Orange-Jones is a middle school assistant principal and adjunct professor at Montclair University and William Paterson University. She has been an educator for 27 years. Keri is also part of the Drew Writing Project and National Writing Project. She has offered her insight as a guest speaker on podcasts and several virtual professional learning communities. She has also published blogs, journal articles and contributed to other publications. She is an advocate for equity and accessibility for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Additional research interests include teacher education and evaluation, student assessment, positive school culture and climate and the importance of representation and diversity in the educational field. She lives in New Jersey with her husband David and her bonus daughter Laila. She takes great pride in being a daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin and friend. She is also a foodie, loves to travel and enjoys beach vacations. You can connect with her on Twitter/X @drkcorange

Review :
"Learners First provides the beginning teacher with vital information that will help achieve success in the classroom, from developing relationships to constructing differentiated assessments that give reliable data about the progression of learning. It’s a valuable addition to a new teacher’s toolbox!" "Books on the first years are always needed, especially if it helps the current new teacher survive and thrive. Teaching has changed drastically and this has caused new teachers to not stay in the profession. This book address the greatest stressors of a teacher in the classroom for the areas in which the teacher has control. It provides useful information and strategies for new (and all) teachers." "The first years of teaching can be the most rewarding and challenging in a new teacher′s experience. The text serves as a symbolic companion to prepare teachers to nurture an inclusive, respectful classroom experience for all students." "This book is a one stop shop for pertinent information most teachers pick up in bits and pieces over several years of teaching. As a mentor of new teachers, this would make a great resource for my mentees. I can relay all of this information, but new teachers are overwhelmed immediately in new teacher training before regular in-service starts each year. Mentees could begin answering questions by using this book, then double checking with their mentor for additional, district specific information." Love, love, LOVE this book! There are tons of opportunities for deep reflection, practical tools, thoughts, and ideas - and the tone is approachable and supportive! I appreciate that the book is grounded in equity for all students.   I′d definitely grab this one for any new teacher friends - but a lot of other folks in our schools also need this. It′s way more than a "survival guide" for new teachers - this could support mentoring programs in schools, instructional coaches, or leaders supporting new teachers! Highly recommend!