Early Career English Teachers in Action Learning from Experience, Developing Expertise

The first few years of teaching are critical to the professional development of effective English teachers. In these crucial years, new teachers establish their identities, learn the ins and outs of the curriculum, acclimate to unfamiliar communities, and cope with student behaviors that they never expected. All of this can be daunting for novice teachers. This book can help. The stories within are written by English teachers in the early stages of their careers. In their carefully crafted narratives, teachers offer practical strategies, professional insights, and a wealth of tips for surviving the first years in the classroom. The narratives are grouped into thematic chapters with brief introductions of key terms, helpful learning activities, and provocative discussion questions, all intended to foster critical conversation about beginning a career teaching English. In a time when many teachers leave the profession too soon, Early Career English Teachers in Action gives voice to those who have decided to stay. More importantly, this book validates teacher narratives as a powerful way of understanding what happens inside of the classroom—a way that provides more authentic evidence of learning than standardized test scores will ever supply.

Contents Foreword, Lisa Schade EckertPrefaceAcknowledgments Chapter 1: Introduction Why English School Teachers? Robert RozemaWhy Teacher Narratives? Lindsay Ellis Chapter 2: School Culture Introduction, Robert RozemaLessons from the Scrap Yard, Jeremy BattagliaThe Rules, Adam KennedyLessons from the Slum, David JaguschLife Skills, Blaine Sullivan Chapter 3: School ClimateIntroduction, Robert RozemaLoving and Leaving, Tami TeshimaWhy the Hell Would You Teach There? Kristyn Konal Chapter 4: CurriculumIntroduction, Lindsay EllisKibera Sings, David JaguschGoing Gradeless, Sierra HolmesThe Meaning of Success, Adam Kennedy Chapter 5: Teacher IdentityIntroduction, Lindsay EllisAbsorbing Fear, Rejecting Fear, Bree GannonIntegrity, Amanda BrownBreaking My Rule, Lindsay StoetzelFirst Love, Sara VanIttersumHolding their Stories, Tracy Meinzer Chapter 6: Student BehaviorIntroduction, Robert RozemaThe Exceptions, Adam KennedyFinding Your Focus, Jeremy BattagliaInnocence and Experience, Amanda BrownThe Heart of Teaching, Tracy Meinzer Contributors

Robert Rozema is Associate Professor of English (Secondary Education), Grand Valley State University, USA. Before coming to Grand Valley, he taught high school English for eight years. Lindsay Ellis is Associate Professor of English, Grand Valley State University. USA. She directs the Lake Michigan Writing Project.