ASK Group Workshop ReviewsWhy Didn't I Learn This in College? WorkshopThis course has helped me out a lot as a new teacher. There were so many concrete strategies presented in dealing with problems, issues and daily routines. I found that everything was very digestible and quite easy to put to practice. Ideas were broken down simply and their application demonstrated. I have used many of these strategies in my classroom and have noticed that things run smoother. I am very grateful to have had this class. Instruction for All Students WorkshopThis class has had quite an impact on my teaching. I can no longer envision simply 'looking for an activity that is close enough.' My time and that of my students is far too precious. I now compulsively begin with the end in mind when thinking about lessons, units, courses, and the entire scope and sequence. It even spills over to questions about how we should look at the entire K-12 curriculum for public education. Instruction for All Students (21st Century Standards-Based Classroom) WorkshopThe standards-based classroom makes learning come alive! It gives the teacher and students practical and useful tools to increase learning. It shows ways to most effectively utilize the time we are given to teach. The ideas are not only research-based but student and teacher tested. Leading the Learning WorkshopThis course not only gave me a foundation for curriculum; it put into perspective the true responsibilities of people in leadership positions. How could I be an Assistant Superintendent and not understand the basis of leadership? The concepts I have been able to read, discuss, and write about during this class have given me the foundations I need to be more than a 'finance/personnel guy.' By developing a clear understanding of what it takes to provide a standards-based classroom and system, I can assist the Superintendent by providing more than numbers and procedures. Just ASK Publications Book ReviewsPaula Rutherford BooksI have purchased all four of Paula’s books. They are excellent tools. I used Leading the Learning and The 21st Century Mentor’s Handbook as a mentor teacher. Several of the strategies and activities from Why Didn't I Learn This in College? I have used with new teachers and Instruction for All Students was taken from me by a teacher the moment she flipped through the pages. The material is easy to read, nicely organized and easy to understand. It is clear and every strategy and piece of advice is useful. They are the greatest resources one can use. Why Didn't I Learn This in College?In Georgia we have TAPP (Teacher Alternative Preparation Program). As new teachers are hired, the experienced teachers try to do everything we can to mentor them and help them adjust to their new environment. I have found NO RESOURCE better than the book Why Didn't I Learn This in College? to aid in the task of preparing the TAPP teachers for the classroom. Mainly because, these teachers didn't learn about teaching in college or anywhere else prior to their first year. Why Didn't I Learn This in College? is a great resource for any teacher, particularly a novice teacher. The book is very organized and user friendly. Our district ordered it for every new teacher so they had a hands-on resource that was readily available with clear, concise, organized ideas that were usable in the classroom. The book goes beyond theory and infuses standards as well as best practices in the comprehensive ideas presented in the book. It is one we plan to use throughout the year in our teacher induction program. As a former middle school team leader and current high school department chair, I am accustomed to working with new and struggling teachers. I picked up Paula Rutherford's book, Why Didn't I Learn This in College? to find some helpful survival tips and strategies to share with my future 'rookies.' To my surprise, while flipping through the pages, I found myself thinking about my own classroom effectiveness and began taking notes on ideas and strategies that I wanted to try! This book provided me with a plethora of ideas, tips, tools, and activities that I plan to implement in my own classroom this year, and to share with my new and veteran colleagues. This book should be required reading for all teachers. Paula Rutherford is truly a guiding light in the field of education for the 21st century. She has remarkably woven instructional strategies, motivation techniques (teacher & student), assessment strategies, Planning strategies, etc. into a wonderful easily to read book that is essential for new teachers and a great skill reminder for all other teachers. Why Didn't I Learn This in College? is designed as a resource that will help any teacher understand how to effectively implement various educational concepts that is need in every classroom! Furthermore, this book gives any teacher the essential foundation needed to become an exemplary teacher. It is easy to read, illustrated with various techniques and examples, offers proven strategies and activities that will given any teacher new or veteran a clear vision for success in any classroom. This book shows Paula's gift of educating the minds of all students through different strategies that all teacher can and should be implementing! Why Didn't I Learn This in College? is a valuable resource for new teachers in developing best practices in a standards based classroom. This book is clearly organized, concisely written, teacher friendly and rich in effective strategies to promote learning. Paula Rutherford not only gives the 'what' and 'how' but delves into the 'why' teachers should implement these practices. This book will definitely be my main resource for working with new teachers! These testimonials about Why Didn't I Learn This in College? echo the sentiments of our new teachers and the administrative team in Greece Central School District about the practicality and usefulness of this resource. We have provided all of our new teachers with this book for two years now and utilize the strategies and tips during our three year new teacher induction program. Many of our veteran teachers have purchased a copy for personal use and as gifts for teacher colleagues or family members in education. Why Didn't I Learn This in College? is so aligned with the expectations for teaching in a standards-based classroom and helps us when conferencing with new and experienced teaching staff as we work together to help all students be successful. Why Didn't I Learn This in College? has been a tremendous tool to share with the first year teachers I mentor in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. It provides teachers with the resources and ideology that enables them to shape their classrooms for learning. Instruction for All StudentsI would like you to know that as a college instructor preparing teachers for teaching, Instruction for All Students is the methods book I wish I had written myself. It is a concise, hands-on guide to the best practices for classroom teaching. Thank you for your time and for publishing this incredible resource for teachers and for those who teach teachers.
Tracy Brown |