"The stories kept me wanting more and the lessons are valuable information for pre-service teachers. Bravo!" —Sharon Ulanoff, California State University, Los Angeles "Narratives from the Classroom will be useful in its ability to stimulate students to get in touch with their past experiences in education in a critical way. The questions offer a natural beginning for sharing experiences. In this way, beliefs and values can be recognized, scrutinized, and defended." —James Curtiss, Wayne State College "These narratives provide expansive opportunities for reflection and encourage each student to come to their own understanding about what it means to be a teacher." —Betty C. Eng, Hong Kong Institute of Education In order for pre-service teachers to fully understand what it means to choose teaching as a career, it is important for them to connect with experienced teachers who can share their experiences of what occurs within the walls of schools. Narrative accounts of teachers′ experiences with students, parents, administrators and colleagues are an excellent way for pre-service teachers to obtain a clearer picture of what teaching really involves. Narratives from the Classroom: An Introduction to Teaching introduces the reader to many of the important classroom issues surrounding the field of teaching. This book is unique in that it is a collection of personal accounts and ideas written by the teachers and teacher educators who lived those experiences. Because this is an introduction to teaching, each chapter addresses a different topic, ranging from the purpose of schools and teachers, issues about policies and programs in the school, and various practices found within the classroom walls. There is also a section that addresses preparation for the job market and what the first year of teaching is like. This book deliberately avoids being prescriptive and encourages the reader to form his or her own conclusions about the presented issues. Narratives from the Classroom is designed as a supplemental text for teacher education courses, especially those at the introductory stages. Beginning teachers and anyone considering teaching as a career will also find this collection an important and insightful addition to their libraries. Key Features Editor′s introduction to each narrative provides context Questions and further readings stimulate the reader′s engagement and commitment to the topic Narratives provide readers with significant exposure to 16 experienced teachers and teacher educators Coverage includes diverse experiences and opinions from authors of various ethnic backgrounds

Table of Contents:
Foreword - Bill Ayers Introduction - Paul Chamness Miller Narrative in Teacher Education - JoAnn Phillion Purposes The Role of a Teacher: My Thoughts After 12 Years in the Field - Kin Chee Moral Education in American Schools - Christopher Blake & Connie Monroe Policies The Inner Workings of the School - Jill Underly Power, Identity and the Third Rail - Wayne Au Programs Hong Kong′s Shifting Classroom Narrative - Betty Eng Reflections on Compassionate and Transformative Education - Chris Carger Practices Positive Relationships for Effective Teaching - Teresa Rishel and Paul Chamness Miller Amplifying Student Performance by Teaching and Modeling Responsibility - Crystal Reimer Maneuvering the Emotional and Social Demands of the Classroom - Teresa Rishel Assessment for Learning: Its Effect on the Classroom and Curriculum - Magdalena Mo Ching Mok A Seasoned Teacher′s Experience with Technology - Pamela Miller Starting Your Career An Employment Guide for Pre-Service Teachers - Joseph McSparran Tales from My First Year of Teaching - Erin Mikulec Contributors′ Bios