Testimonies / Reviews
The Truth About Teaching
Winner of 2007 Benjamin Franklin Book Award for Education category
What are people saying about "The Truth About Teaching"?
Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. After 31 years in Ohio's public school system, author and educator Armstrong (Please Don't Call My Mother) is clearly the kind of teacher novice educators aspire to become: successful, beloved and wise. In this valuable resource, she paints an upbeat assessment of the teaching life that doesn't gloss over harsh realities like no air conditioning, low pay, tons of germs and plenty of problem students (tellingly, the chapter on discipline is twice as long as any other). Though it's slim, this thoughtfully organized book packs a trove of information in chapters covering "The Profession and The Politics," "The Money," "The Nuts and Bolts," "Creative Lesson Plans" and "Discipline." In a friendly but no-nonsense style, Armstrong provides straightforward advice and anecdotes to support lessons like, "the three-month vacation is a myth" and "your students can read you like a book." In addition, Armstrong includes plenty of suggestions for dealing with colleagues, as well as some fairly radical big-picture theories such as "Compulsory education may have outlived its usefulness," and "large classes aren't the bogeymen you've been led to believe." Novice and experienced K-12 teachers will benefit from Armstrong's work, but anyone with a stake in educational policy or looking for an on-the-ground perspective should take an interest in this volume.
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What I will take away from this book reinforces what I have learned in the 38 days I have been teaching. It's about the relationships created between the lessons where the real teaching happens! Ms. Armstrong really provides this feeling in her stories over her many years of teaching. It wasn't the German lessons that left the lasting memories, it was the relationships developed during the lessons that still remain in the hearts of her students years later.
- James Squires, 1st Year Teacher
First-off, I have to tell you that I read the book in one setting. I was surprised at both the frankness and insightfulness of the information presented within the book. It is apparent both in the introduction and throughout the book that Ms. Armstrong is approaching 'delicate' topics in the book. Her apologetic introduction serves to actually incite more interest rather than to dissuade the prospective reader. The content I find to be extremely relevant to new teachers such as myself and my peers, all of who will enter the profession in August of next year. I do not see the 'negative' comments as negative at all. If having a clear knowledge and understanding of the career beforehand is negative, then what do we call the sorrowing exodus of new teachers from the field? It is extremely important that those entering this most rewarding of professions realize that the rewards are not material, or hidden within the 'three month myth,' but rather the possibility of connecting with a child, being able to encourage them, and having a hand in changing their life. The reality presented within these pages should help to separate the 'wheat' from the 'chaff' so to speak; those who are entering the profession blindly are also those who leave rapidly. This book will do much to help not only students who could have suffered the ravages of a disillusioned new teacher, but also the candidates themselves, those who simply don't have a clear idea of the reality of the career. For those of us who read this book and still continue on the path to this calling, we now have no excuses later on--we have been warned. Between the warnings shines the truth of the profession: That even though it isn't perfect, even though there is never enough time, even though weekends are cut short, rooms are too warm, and bathroom breaks are unheard of, there is a reward that almost defies description. It is that look that a child gives you when they 'get it,' the smile that says 'thanks' when you show you care, or the bruised apple that made the trip to your desk that makes it all worth it. And it IS!
- Michael Burry, Student Teacher
As a new teacher, I believe
The Truth About Teaching will be a great resource. Every educator can use this book, from the novice like me to someone who is ready to retire! I really enjoyed how the book was separated into down-to-earth reality. The information was easy to follow and understand. It will be very easy to incorporate into every day teachings, no matter what teaching style you have!
- Leanne Annis, New Teacher
As a brand new teacher I have read many books by veteran teachers to gather all the tips I possibly can.
The Truth About Teaching was not only full of useful advice, but it was also reassuring to read that even though challenges will come into my classroom I will survive and learn from them. Perhaps in 30 years I can look back and have some entertaining stories of my own to tell.
- Emily Clouse, New Teacher
The Truth About Teaching has so much on-target information. It is perfect for pre-service and new teachers who have no idea that teaching is about so much more than just giving information to students.
- Robin Garrett, Administrator
I read and reread this book. It offered me an actual slap of reality of what I have gotten myself into. It also made me realize that I was not alone. I now understand that what is going on is typical of many schools and that I (and my students) will survive. My favorite part was about 'why we do it' with the reason being that someday a student will seek us out and 'our hearts will melt.' I chose teaching for that reason--the opportunity to prepare a child to love learning. Thank you for the chance to read this book. It could not have come at a better time, when I was struggling with my own classroom issues and trying to figure out why I had not learned anything in college about the real classroom.
- Megan Harper-Ramsey, New Teacher
I have highly enjoyed reading
The Truth About Teaching. This book is a goldmine of advice for up-and-coming teachers such as myself. Coleen Armstrong uses vivid illustrations to fortify her principles and encourage her audience. I would recommend this book to my fellow college peers as well as professional educators.
- James Potter, Pre-service Teacher
This book,
The Truth About Teaching, is a must read for student teachers, new teachers, and veteran teachers. Ms. Armstrong tells it like it is, explaining expectations, giving practical advice and communicating fresh ideas. The section, 'Creative Lesson Plans' addresses secondary as well as elementary teachers. Classroom management, crucial to being an effective teacher no matter how long you have been teaching, was skillfully addressed by the author. I came away from reading this book with ideas I want to share with my student teachers and areas that I wish to ponder.
- Dr. Annette Weinstein, Administrator and Supervisor of Student Teachers
Even as a seasoned veteran I found tidbits of wisdom to take back to my own school and classroom. This will be a valuable resource for any teacher. It stresses the nobility of the profession, while giving permission to be human--to learn, to fail, and to grow into a better teacher and a better person.
- Lois Adams, Administrator
I highly recommend this book to new teachers as an insight into what it is really like to be a teacher. Experienced teachers will see this as a captivating read by an author who is clearly a master teacher and understands the various complexities of teaching in regards to the first years of teaching, the teacher-student relationship, and many other issues faced only by educators. It is very insightful and enjoyable to read. If you believe that teaching is the profession for you, then you need to read this book!
- Rebecca Miles, New Teacher
I would like to advise all new teachers, beginniers, or student teachers to read, learn, grasp the book,
The Truth About Teaching, and use it as a guide for the teaching experience. I feel a deep appreciation for Ms. Armstrong who sympathetically understands new teacher' needs to better understand the art of teaching, represented by her own experiences throughout this book.
- Itani Nada, Veteran Teacher
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