The Ten Minute Inservice

Quick, easy, specific steps that make a difference in teaching and learning Busy school leaders need an easy-to-apply resource to increase teacher effectiveness quickly and efficiently. This book shows principals and staff developers how to improve teaching school-wide through high-impact inservices lasting only ten minutes—incorporated easily into weekly staff meetings. Written by popular education consultants Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux, this important book offers 40 teacher-tested, mini-workshops that can improve teaching in every classroom. The book covers a range of topics, from behavior challenges and parent engagement to motivating students and making lessons meaningful. Offers school leaders a proven plan to help every teacher improve on a weekly basis by conducting simple 10-minute inservice workshops Offers staff developers, new teacher induction coordinators, mentors, and Professional Learning Communities ideas for effective training sessions Each of the 40 mini-training sessions offered include tips on how to introduce the topic, sample scripts to follow, and implementation activities to ensure lasting learning Whitaker and Breaux are bestselling education authors with a proven track record improving teacher effectiveness This handy resource contains a simple and effective method for improving teacher effectiveness school wide.

Highly effective teachers have something in common: They do simple things extraordinarily well—simple, uncomplicated things on a daily basis. In this new book by bestselling authors and presenters Annette Breaux and Todd Whitaker, you’ll learn the secrets of these tried-and-true techniques that will help to improve your teaching, your students’ learning, and your students’ behavior. Annette and Todd, who have years of experience working in schools across the globe, reveal 75 easily-implemented strategies that will improve teaching and instruction, classroom management, student motivation, student achievement, parent communication, and more--with no new programs! Each tip provides practical takeaways that can be used immediately and with remarkable success.

Deftly handle the sixty most common problems classroom teachersface Quick Answers for Busy Teachers presents some of the mostcommon challenges teachers encounter in the classroom, and providesexpert help toward solving those problems. This easy-to-read guideis organized into short, discreet chapters, making it an idealquick reference for on-the-spot answers, with practical advice andconcise, actionable solutions. Readers will develop systems fordealing with issues that repeatedly crop up, from handling theout-of-control class to falling out of love with the job. The bookoffers innovative methods and techniques that improve studentachievement and behavior while minimizing stress on the teacher.Recover from challenging situations with parents, students,coworkers, or administrators, implement a system that keeps thosechallenges from happening again, and learn to relax and enjoy thisrichly rewarding profession. Teaching is difficult. Educators must grapple with a roomful ofdiverse students, an evolving curriculum, massive organization ofbooks, papers, and supplies, and ever-changing technology. Theymust deal with challenges from uninvolved parents, overinvolvedparents, administrators, and fellow educators. This book helpsteachers avoid some of the frustration by providing solutions forthe sixty most common challenges teachers face. Deal with the student pushing your buttons, and get thatstudent actively engaged in meaningful learning Keep students on task, and deal effectively with poor testperformance Speak your mind at faculty meetings Deal with negative coworkers effectively Handle problem parents without embarrassing students orsacrificing professionalism As a teacher, igniting young minds is only a small part of thebattle – it's usually everything else that makes teachersoccasionally reconsider their career choice. With solutions andsystems in place ahead of time, readers can handle challengesswiftly and skillfully with Quick Answers for BusyTeachers.

Teachers deal with change on a regular basis, but there are some principles at the core of teaching that remain constant and that have the biggest impact on student achievement. In this inspiring book from Danny Steele, creator of the popular Steele Thoughts blog, and Todd Whitaker, bestselling author and speaker, you’ll learn how to focus on the most important things in the classroom, not just the "current" things. The authors reveal essential truths that will make you a more effective educator in areas such as student relationships, classroom management, and classroom culture. The strategies are presented in digestible chunks, perfect for book studies, in-service sessions, mentorship meetings, and other learning formats. With the inspiring anecdotes and insights in this book, you’ll be reminded of your greater purpose – making a difference in students’ lives.

What are the attitudes and actions that make great principals stand out? In this internationally renowned bestseller, Todd Whitaker reveals the 20 keys to effective school leadership. This essential third edition features helpful new strategies for recruiting talent through better interview and reference questions, as well as tips for retaining talent. It also offers a new section on how leadership is not an event, but rather requires a consistent approach to affect the climate and eventually shape the culture of your school. Perfect for new and experienced principals, for independent professional reading or for leadership courses, this practical book will leave you feeling inspired and ready to do the things that matter most for the people who ultimately matter most—the students.

Being a cheerleader for innovation or change is great. Implementing specific strategies to increase the likelihood of success is essential. In this key book from bestselling author and speaker Todd Whitaker, you’ll discover clear ways to lead and manage school change by setting realistic goals, planning your approach, and tracking your progress. You’ll also find out how to work effectively with others, overcome resistance, and gain widespread acceptance. Whether you are a district leader, building leader, instructional coach, or teacher-leader, you’ll come away from this book with all the tools and inspiration you need to make a positive, immediate, results-oriented change with the support of your staff. Bonus: This enhanced second edition includes a special Action Plan and Implementation Guide. The Action Plan will help you apply the ideas, step by step, to your own situation. The Implementation Guide can be used for independent reflection or as a study guide with book groups or professional learning communities.

Introduction to Gifted Education is the definitive textbook designed for courses that introduce teachers to gifted education, whether that is in graduate school or in certification or continuing development programs for teachers. The book is inclusive in nature, addressing varied approaches to each topic while relying on no single theory or construct. The book includes chapters that focus on critical topics such as gifted education standards, social-emotional needs, cognitive development, diverse learners, identification, programming options, creativity, professional development, and curriculum. The book provides a comprehensive look at each topic, including an overview of big ideas, its history, and a thorough discussion to help those new to the field gain a better understanding of gifted students and strategies to address their needs. A rich companion piece supports the text, providing practical strategies and activities for the instructor (designed for both online classes and face-to-face classes). Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented 2018 Legacy Book Award Winner—Scholar

Todd Whitaker, Jeffrey Zoul, and Jimmy Casas are widely acclaimed experts on teaching and leading and are pioneers in the education twitterverse, and now they are sharing their best practices! In What Connected Educators Do Differently, they show how being a connected educator—by using social media to connect with peers across the country and even across the globe—will greatly enhance your own learning and your success in a school or classroom. You’ll find out how to create a personal and professional learning network to share resources and ideas, gain support, and make an impact on others. By customizing your professional development in this way, you’ll be able to learn what you want, how you want, when you want. Best of all, you’ll become energized and inspired by all the great ideas out there and how you can contribute, benefiting both you and your students. Whether you are a teacher or school leader, you will come away from this book with step-by-step advice and fresh ideas to try immediately. Being a connected educator has never been easier or more important than it is right now!

What are the beliefs and behaviors that set great teachers apart? In this internationally renowned bestseller, Todd Whitaker reveals 19 keys to becoming more effective in the classroom. This essential third edition features new sections on why it’s about more than relationships, how to focus on a consistent, engaging learning environment, and the importance of choosing the right mode—business, parent, child—to improve your classroom management. Perfect for educators at any level of experience, for independent reading or for schoolwide book studies, this practical book will leave you feeling inspired and ready to do the things that matter most for the people who matter most—your students.

Now in its third edition, this bestseller has remained popular, relevant, and a must-read for new teachers, mentors, administrators, and staff development professionals. Appropriate for individual or collaborative study, this book provides simple, practical solutions to the challenges experienced by both new and veteran teachers, including: • managing the classroom; • handling discipline problems; • dealing with challenging students, coworkers, and parents; • planning lessons effectively and managing time wisely; • accommodating individual differences in students; • getting students excited about learning; • and much, much more. In this new edition, you’ll find advice on incorporating technology into your lessons and using social media to connect with others. You’ll also find new Ask Yourself questions (following each of the 101 Answers) and Chapter Highlights to help you apply the ideas in your own classroom. These resources are available in the book and on our website for easy download. Though written for new teachers, the book's practical, easy-to-implement strategies will appeal to teachers of any grade level, subject area, or level of expertise, as well as to mentors, induction coordinators, or anyone seeking to find answers to classroom challenges and improve teaching skills.

The strategies used by winning coaches on the field can bring success to classrooms, too! In What Teachers Can Learn From Sports Coaches, you’ll uncover that the athletic arena and the classroom have more in common than you think. Author Nathan Barber demonstrates how many of the principles of coaching can be used by teachers to motivate students, build community, and enhance teaching. You’ll learn valuable lessons on... Communicating effectively Harnessing the power of teamwork Making work meaningful Embracing technology Building a winning tradition Teaching life lessons Seeking continual improvement And more! The book is filled with insightful quotes from well-known coaches, along with suggestions on how to apply the ideas to your own classroom. You’ll come away with strategies that you can use immediately to bring success to your own team—your students!

School principals are constantly being pulled in different directions. How do you focus on the things that matter most? In this inspiring book from Danny Steele, creator of the popular Steele Thoughts blog, and Todd Whitaker, bestselling author and speaker, you’ll learn how to center your leadership on your core values and the practices that have the biggest impact. The authors reveal essential truths that will make you a more effective principal in areas such as school culture, appreciating teachers, and empowering your staff. The strategies are presented in digestible chunks, perfect for book studies, professional development sessions, and other learning formats. With the inspiring anecdotes and insights in this book, you’ll be reminded of your greater purpose – making a difference in students’ lives.