Guardians of the Next Generation: Igniting the Passion for High-Quality Teaching

Ask teachers why they have pursued a career in education and they are likely to mention a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of children or suggest that teaching was a calling not just a job. Research shows that in addition to these reasons, teachers also indicated that they joined the academic ranks to share a deep interest in a particular subject area, to work with students of different backgrounds and abilities, or to engage students in creative ways. For these reasons, and many more, Guardians of the Next Generation: Igniting the Passion for High Quality Teaching, addresses the very heart of what helps teachers to make learning meaningful to children.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1- Preservice to Practice: Preparing Teachers to Make A Difference Chapter 2- Collaboration is Key: Embracing Meaningful Teamwork Chapter 3- The Home-School Connection: Promoting and Sustaining Successful Partnerships Chapter 4- Positive Classroom Management: Establishing Beneficial Expectations and Norms Chapter 5- Effective Instruction: Evidence-Based and High-Quality Practices Chapter 6- Promoting Student Engagement: Setting the Conditions for Success Chapter 7- Using Assessment Wisely: Creating, Analyzing, and Moving Forward from Data Chapter 8- Teaching the Whole Child: The Importance of Social Emotional Learning Chapter 9- Potent Administrative Practices: Empowering Teachers to Foster Student Achievement Chapter 10- Integrating Technology, Teaching, and Learning: Changing with the Times Chapter 11- Making Professional Development Meaningful: Promising Approaches and Practices Chapter 12- Keeping Teachers on the Straight and Narrow: Understanding the Fundamentals of School Law About the Authors

About the Author :
Dr. Nicholas D. Young has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 28 years, serving as a principal, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime superintendent of schools. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year; and he completed a distinguished Fulbright program focused on the Japanese educational system through the collegiate level. Kristen Bonanno-Sotiropoulos has worked in education at various levels for more than a dozen years. Her professional career within K12 public education included roles as a special education teacher and special education administrator at the elementary and middle school levels. After her tenure in K12, she transitioned to higher education to teach undergraduate and graduate courses as an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Springfield College located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Jennifer A. Smolinski has worked in education for more than three years. Her role within higher education includes the creation and directing of the Center for Disability Services and Academic Accommodations at American International College located in Springfield, Massachusetts. She has also taught criminal justice and legal research and writing classes within the field of higher education. Prior to her work at the collegiate level, Attorney Smolinski worked as a solo-practitioner conducting education and disability advocacy as well as representing clients in real estate and business matters.

Review :
Guardians of the Next Generation: Igniting the Passion for High Quality Teaching, offers tremendous insight into the best practices for creating and supporting effective teaching principles. This book examines the many components that go into maintaining high-quality educational environments that support teaching and learning, student achievement, and personal growth. Guardians of the Next Generation: Igniting the Passion for High Quality Teaching is a must read for all teachers, administrators, and anyone in the educational field. The authors have gathered the most recent research in highly-effective educational practices and then provide the reader with practical applications within the pages of this book. Everything that an educational practitioner would need can be found within this one resource. Supporting students to be 21st century learners begins with educators who understand and employ high quality teaching practices in the classroom every day and in every lesson. Guardians of the Next Generation: Igniting the Passion for High Quality Teaching Practices offers educators, administrators, and parents a detailed look at the many elements necessary to provide a positive learning environment for all students. With a focus on assessment, technology, and social emotional learning, to name just a few, the reader will come back to this book time and time again as a valuable educational resource. Few books offer a comprehensive look at the many facets of high-quality educational strategies in the way that Guardians of the Next Generation: Igniting the Passion for High Quality Teaching Practices does. This book begins with a detailed look at the necessary elements involved in a preservice training program for 21st century educators and then goes on to discuss the many essential components, strategies, and practices that teachers need to become exemplary facilitators in the classroom. A hands-on, practical book, Guardians is a must-read for anyone interested in improving their practice.