Full Description
An all-in-one toolkit that empowers new teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners When novice teachers are assigned to teach disadvantaged students, the results are predictable: growing tension and frustration on both sides, leading to disengaged students and disillusioned educators.
Gail and Rufus Thompson are renowned experts on bridging the instructional gaps between teachers and students who don't look like them. In this book, the authors show new teachers how to flourish by building on the assets of their students and the students' families.
Yes, You Can! holds up a mirror to deeply-held beliefs about race and other variables of difference. Through interactive exercises, readers gain confidence and empathy that translate to success for students. The book includes:
Powerful vignettes about real teachers and students that help promote teacher empathy and understanding
Original research conducted by the authors on the confidence levels of new and experienced educators
Targeted strategies for many student profiles: African American, Latino, Asian American, White, high-achiever, low-achiever, and more
Before learning can take place, there must be mutual understanding and respect between student and teacher. Yes, You Can! ensures these critical links are strong.
"This is one of the most useful books I have read in some time! Whether novice or veteran, if one truly wants to be successful in teaching children of color, this exciting book is an invaluable tool. From their extensive experience as successful classroom teachers, researchers, and leaders of professional development, the authors combine authentic scenarios, reflection activities, and suggested strategies that empower educators in being effective with students at all grade levels and from all demographic groups in our society." —Randall B. Lindsey, Professor Emeritus
California State University, Los Angeles
Contents
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. Do You Really Love All of Them? Assessing Your Teaching Self-Confidence About Working With Various Types of Students
Chapter 1. Fear, Income, Gender, and Other Issues: Why Your Teaching Self-Confidence Matters
Chapter 2. Teaching in a Racially Diverse World: Examining Your Teaching Self-Confidence About Working With Students of Color and White Students
Chapter 3. "Oh My Gosh, He Can't Even Read!" Examining Your Teaching Self-Confidence About Working With Struggling Students
Part II. Student Empowerment-Teacher Empowerment: Increasing Your Teaching Self-Confidence and Your Teaching Efficacy
Chapter 4. This Stuff Is Hard! Improving Your Classroom Management Skills
Chapter 5. A Recipe for Success: Effective Instructional Practices
Chapter 6. Can't We All Just Get Along? Using the Curriculum to Improve Race Relations in Class
Part III. Getting Help From the "Village": How to Maximize Your Relations With Parents, Colleagues, and School Leaders
Chapter 7. Bridging the Great Divide: How to Create a Win-Win Situation With Parents, Especially With Nonwhite Parents
Chapter 8. Ties That Can Bind: Forming Strong Working Relationships With Colleagues of Color
Chapter 9. Ask and It Might Be Given: Getting What You Need From School Leaders
Conclusion: Don't Throw in the Towel--How to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up
Appendix A. Background Information About the Teacher Confidence Study
Appendix B. Demographic Information About the 293 Teacher Confidence Study Participants
Appendix C. Questionnaire Results From the 293 Teacher Confidence Study Participants
Notes
Index
