Good to Great Teaching: Focusing on the Literacy Work that Matters

by Mary Howard, Richard L. Allington (Foreword)

" We often talk about the importance of, and benefits of focused intentional teaching. Mary Howard is not only the champion of such instruction, but she coaches the rest of us, breaking it down so we can all do great work that truly matters. " Gail Boushey and Joan Moser ( the Sisters ),
authors of The Daily Five In this valuable resource for teachers, Mary Howard shares a step-by-step process for focusing on the literacy work that matters in any effective literacy design-including schools implementing the Common Core State Standards and an RTI model-to identify good work, to celebrate great work, and to accommodate high quality literacy practices. Throughout Good to Great Teaching , Mary describes spotlight teachers who will guide you through a process of evaluating, adjusting, and elevating your teaching. Personal reflection tools are included to help you alleviate anything that deters your efforts to accomplish what you already do well and move your teaching to even higher levels. Mary will take you into real classrooms where practical ideas rooted in best practice offer a clear understanding of what great work can feel like, look like, and sound like. As you work through this reflective process on your own or with colleagues, you No matter where you are in your teaching career, the real key to great work is what you bring to the table. Let Mary lead you as you move from good to great teaching so you can focus on the literacy work that really matters.

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2012

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do agree with most of what Mary Howard says about the importance of reflecting deeply about our practice and that we should eliminate as much meaningless time as possible. She gives a lot of concrete examples on how to improve one’s practice and how to become thoughtful, engaged and joyful teachers.
I just feel that the tone of the book can be a bit demoralizing. If the aim of the book is to convince teachers who fill their days with activities instead of keeping learning at the front of their activity choices and execution, I’m not sure this book is the ticket.

I can imagine people feeling pretty insulted by the use of “bad work” as a counter example of “great work, “worksheet v.s. Worthsheet” and the “crayola curriculum”.

I think Debbie Miller does a better job of inspiring teachers to review, reflect and be brave.

That said, if you are an educator already committed to going deep and are ready to question all of what you say yes and no to when developing meaningful learning, this is a very good resource.

[Abby Berke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emphasizing best practice and constant reflection, this book is about turning good (and bad) teaching to great teaching. I read this for class without choice, so it wouldn't be my first recommendation for secondary teachers. As a middle school teacher, I found the research interesting and the ideas about reading instruction mostly useful, but the vast majority of examples and scenarios are from elementary classrooms, so would be most beneficial to teachers of that age.

[Sharon Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST read for every educator!

[Laura Komos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at the perfect time! It will help lay the framework for the rest of my professional reads this summer. Mary reminds us of what great work looks like, encourages us to reflect honestly on our teaching, and gives a plethora of examples. It reads like a conversation with a trusted colleague and friend.

[Diana Pettis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all my teacher friends. I loved it and it made me reflect on my own teaching practices. Mary Howard suggests that all teachers reflect on their practice and personally take responsibility for making changes because Great teaching is within every educators reach. LOVED IT!!!!

[jennyreadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read for first year or seasoned teachers. Practical ways to eliminate unnecessary activities and move from "good to great teaching."

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every educator.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any educator - Dr. Mary Howard always has a focus on what is best for children and this book is a student-centered gem.