Full Description
`This engaging and insightful book highlights issues of power and authority, which are often overlooked yet critically important in teacher preparation, induction, and retention' - Judith Haymore Sandholtz, Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Education, University of California, Riverside`A Classroom of Her Own is as practical as it is insightful. It is a rare combination of revealing case studies and practical advice designed to help beginning teachers learn how to teach' - Elliot W Eisner, Lee Jacks Professor of Education and Professor of Art Stanford University, School of Education This book is a study of six teachers, all of them young, white, and female, and the challenges they face in the classroom as they grow and learn as educators. The author describes their relationships with students, parents, other teachers, administrators, and office personnel, and details the obstacles they face while developing the confidence and wisdom that all teachers need.The nine chapters cover a wide spectrum of issues, including instruction, discipline, working conditions, safety, and more. Complex problems, such as troubled students, ineffectual colleagues, less-than-helpful administrators, language and cultural barriers, are explored. The six voices represent a variety of schools, urban and suburban, affluent and poverty-stricken, well run and troubled.Included are many stories in the teachers' own words, describing their frustrations and fears, as well as their triumphs and successes. The six women discuss the career angst common to all new teachers, sharing how they deal with challenges such as modest salaries, keeping professional and personal life separate, dealing with evaluations, and finding the help and encouragement they need. The joys and rewards of working with children and making a difference in their lives comes through clearly in each teacher's story.This book is a wonderful resource for all pre-service and beginning teachers, as well as veteran or mentor teachers who will be working with newcomers to the profession.
Contents
Sidebar DirectoryForeword - James G. MarchAcknowledgmentsAbout the Author1. Gender, Age, and Teacher InductionYoung Women TeachersThe Mantle of TeacherThe Study2. Stephanie: The Paradox of AuthorityAuthority With ColleaguesAuthority With ParentsAuthority With StudentsConclusion3. Helen: Professional IdentityPresentation of SelfPresentation of the ClassroomPresentation of EmotionsProfessional and PersonalConclusion4. Paula: School CultureThe School EnvironmentAssignmentsIsolation and ConnectionConclusion5. Beth: School AdministrationCommittee WorkSupervision and EvaluationPrincipalsConclusion6. Karen: Professional JudgementMoral Dilemmas in TeachingConclusion7. Julie: Affirmation and AttainmentA Case Study of HomogeneityConclusion8. Unpredictable Outcomes: Race, Ethnicity, and ClassThe Diversity DivideConclusion9. Classrooms of Their OwnInstructional CompetenceProfessional CompetenceCultural CompetencePractical ConsiderationsReferencesSuggestions for Further ReadingIndex
