A Sustainable Start: A Realistic Look at the First Year of Teaching

by John T. Spencer

Instead of providing a list of rules, formulas and steps that new teachers need to follow, the author tells stories, makes observations and provides practical advice. In a style that is both deep and conversational, the author provides insights often neglected in books aimed for new teachers, including the role of shame in teacher identity, the use of professional learning networks for professional growth, the need for paradox, increasing a sense of awareness, the need for humility in classroom leadership and how to build a better relationship with students. The result is a book that is practical, philosophical and personal. It also includes a New Teacher Toolkit with 45 resources for teachers entering the classroom for the first time.

242 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2011

About the author

John Spencer is a teacher in a low-SES, working class area of Phoenix, Arizona. He has won awards in educational technology and has a popular blog "Musings from a Not-So-Master Teacher."