Imagine "Dear Abby" is a guy. He's a survivor of student teaching. He's also the survivor of 20 years teaching in the public schools, the last 17 at one of the premier alternative high schools in the country. As a graduate student he recently had the guidance of an expert supervisor of English teachers in training. Now, they've joined forces. The result: an indispensable handbook for those about to embark on their first experience teaching English.
The book is a collection of real-life letters to veteran teacher Mike Rychlik along with his responses. His university mentor Pamela Carroll adds her own thoughts "From Another Angle" - substantial commentary that mixes educational theory with experience-based self-reflection. Their letters and commentary are grouped into 13 chapters, each covering a thematic aspect of teaching English, each incorporating the points of view of a student teacher, the classroom veteran, and the education professor. Dip into any chapter or read the book cover to cover as it
- addresses the very scenarios and situations student teachers yearn to explore, such as classroom management strategies
- tackles the specifics of teaching English (grammar, writing, literature, and more)
- discusses the broader topics of professionalism, testing, and grading
- aids further exploration of specific topics with annotated reading lists.