Can I Be in Your Class?: Real Education Reform to Motivate Secondary Students

With education reform in the forefront of societal issues, virtually everyone is seeking methods to augment students' academic performance. Yet, real reform begins in individual classrooms, where the difference between the ordinary teacher and the extraordinary lies not in the content they teach, but in the manner and atmosphere in which they teach it. Can I Be In Your Class? offers secondary teachers tips and techniques to invigorate instruction and create an atmosphere conducive to active learning and extraordinary teaching. Each chapter opens with an illustrative anecdote and highlights a different educational area. A worksheet of self-assessment exercises concludes each chapter, guiding teachers to individualize and implement the suggested improvements in their classrooms. Designed to support both the novice and veteran educator, the best practices offered in this book help teachers to make education a dynamic experience that addresses the whole child and boosts academic progress. As a result, other students will ask, "Can I be in your class?"

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Chapter One: Create a Welcoming Atmosphere Chapter 2 Chapter Two: Dare to be Different Chapter 3 Chapter Three: Defuse the Power of Tests Chapter 4 Chapter Four: Connect the Dots Chapter 5 Chapter Five: Guess Who's Coming to Class! Chapter 6 Chapter Six: Continue to Learn Chapter 7 Chapter Seven: Develop Your Own Style Chapter 8 Chapter Eight: Support Your Students Chapter 9 Chapter Nine: Have Fun!

About the Author :
Denise Fawcett Facey is an award-winning educator, as well as a workshop leader and public speaker. She is author of The Social Studies Helper.

Review :
Can I Be in Your Class? is an inspirational account, informing educators of ideals that too often get lost in the bureaucracy of the educational system. Ms. Fawcett Facey reminds us of things that so many educators often forget. We are in the business of children and adolescents who are greatly influenced by the actions of teachers. She provides specific examples, reflections and actions to shift the educational paradigm from 19th century teacher-directed classrooms to 21st century student-centered environments. A superb guidebook, concise, profound and simple, the author has provided teachers with a tool for self-reflection and professional growth. Kudos!! All teachers, both new and seasoned, will benefit greatly after reading this book. As an administrator of secondary teachers, I wish all teachers had this sort of book on their shelves to thumb through as they moved through their careers. It provides new teachers with proven strategies to keep in their 'toolbox' as they begin their careers and it reminds veteran teachers of what it takes to motivate students to learn. The questions at the end of each chapter are a wonderful way for teachers to reflect upon their pedagogy. In her book, Ms. Fawcett Facey clearly addresses the problem of the academic and educational gap that many educators throughout our American education system are challenged to close. This author undeniably provides a myriad of suggestions and recommendations that will effectively assist educators in meeting the educational needs of every student and thus, developing life long learners. Can I Be in Your Class? is positive and effective educational reform at a teacher's fingertips. Facey taps into the essential tools for success in today's learning environments with an engaging, practical, and well-written guide for teacher and student achievement. If you have a classroom, then this is a must-have resource.