The First Days of Class: A Practical Guide for the Beginning Teacher

This step-by-step guide reviews important issues and things to consider for beginning, substitute, returning, and emergency credential teachers. The 11 chapters focus on: (1) "Getting Ready to Interview: Personal Reflection, Picking the Right Path, and Interview Readiness"; (2) "Where It All Happens: Creating the Right Atmosphere"; (3) "So Much to Do, So Little Time: How Do You Organize It All?"; (4) "Planning the Trip: Your Plan Book Can Be Your Best Friend"; (5) "Enter the Students! Meeting the Demands of Diverse Learners"; (6) "The First Month of the Journey"; (7) "Keeping the Records Straight"; (8) "The People You'll Meet Along the Way"; (9) "Professional Development: Charting Your Progress"; (10) "Staying on Track Throughout the School Year"; and (11) "Crossing the Finish Line: Time to Celebrate Your Success." The book includes easy-to-reference sections within each chapter, tip boxes at the end of every chapter, and classroom material samples. Three resources present "A Teacher's Ten Commandments", "Recommended Reading", and "Web Sites". (Contains 37 references.) (SM).