Teaching in Uncertain Times

Reviews / Votes

"In addition to dozens of practical, use-it-tomorrow strategies, Laura reminds those of us who have been educators for decades that concepts like the gradual release of responsibility model, thinking aloud, teaching comprehension strategies, and promoting lots of student collaboration haven't gone away. In fact, there is more acute need for these well-researched teaching tactics than ever. I'm grateful to read a book that breathes new life into these strategies.

In an era where time is our most important commodity, this book is a great investment for practicing educators and preservice teachers. It is clear, concise and engaging. Brava, Laura. Thanks for enlightening us again!"

- Ellin Oliver Keene, Author/Consultant, Mosaic Literacy LLC

"I had the privilege of having Laura Robb as a mentor when I began teaching nearly 40 years ago, and this book is like having that guiding and loving force with you as you embark on the journey of teaching! Teaching in Uncertain Times offers practical suggestions that teachers, both new and seasoned, can bring into the classroom to immediately create an environment that is warm, welcoming, and equipped to spark curiosity and learning! This book enables teachers to create a family of learners!"
- Robin Packard, Reading Specialist, Virginia Avenue Elementary, Winchester, VA, USA

"Teaching in Uncertain Times by Laura Robb is refreshing, practical, and hopeful! Robb's book is filled with practical ideas to support students' academic learning, social wellbeing, and varied needs. Throughout the book, she encourages collaboration and interaction with colleagues to build a strong, trusting learning community. Robb talks about the importance of finding time to reteach and plan interventions for students who need it. She urges educators to become learners alongside their students and tasks us with developing the habit of reading professional books and articles - a critical aspect of being the best teacher you can be and helping all students to thrive!

Laura Robb is a teacher-of-teachers. Her voice is encouraging, kind, and reassuring. She offers classroom snapshots to bring her words to life and provides practical examples, useful forms, and doable advice to cheer us on and help us help all our students to thrive and be the best they can be. Thank you, Laura!"

- Lynne R. Dorfman, Ed.D. Adjunct Professor, Arcadia University, USA

"In Teaching In Uncertain Times, trusted teacher Laura Robb offers us a good balance of hope along with practical tips that can be implemented right away. She has clearly been listening to today's teachers' challenges and created a roadmap for how to plan student-centered learning experiences. Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran trying to sustain your practice, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to use your teacher agency, how to work within systems of constraint, and how to focus on what matters most-- students."

- Gravity Goldberg, author of Active Learning and Assistant Professor, Wesleyan University, USA

" When I learned that acclaimed long-time educator, Laura Robb had a new book, I knew that her words were desperately needed. Laura invites us to embark on a shared journey so that we may reclaim why we all "chose teaching." A quick glance at the Table of Contents and her description of a "Support Menu" is her promise to deliver with wisdom and heart as she draws from decades of experience and knowledge. The standardized reality in schools of today bring challenges of maneuvering never-ending mandates often driven by those far removed from education. Laura Robb understands that our children are anything but standardized and she eloquently highlights our responsibility to their unique way of thinking, learning and experiencing. From roadblocks to pathways across every delicious page, I found myself nodding in agreement and envisioning the children who will have a teacher inspired by Laura's wise words. I wholeheartedly endorse this wonderful book."

- Mary Howard, Literacy Consultant and Author

"Laura's latest contribution to education, Teaching in Uncertain Times: Strategies for Reclaiming Agency and Impact on Students' Learning, provides educators with evergreen strategies for enhancing student learning. Blending her review of research, practical examples, ready-to-use templates, and thought-provoking reflection questions, Robb empowers teachers to engage their slearners and optimize opportunities for long-term success. Whether beginning your journey in the field of education, or continuing as a seasoned veteran, you are sure to find fresh insights to enhance your craft."

- Phil Strunk, History Teacher, Sherando High School, USA

"The United States has seen a continuous drop in reading achievement for 4th and 8th graders over the past 25+ years. Moreover, the students who have suffered the most have been the lowest achievers. Rather than more standards, more tests, and more preparation for tests, we need to return to empowered and artful teachers who, guided by the science of teaching and learning, collaborate to meet the certain challenges and needs of students in their classrooms. Laura Robb, one of the master teachers of our time, provides teachers with a remarkably large and varied compendium of often forgotten methods for making instruction in any area more effective, engaging, and artful. When teachers are empowered to develop, control, and guide their instruction, students are CERTAIN to benefit. Bravo to Laura Robb for reminding us that it is the empowered teacher, more than ever, who guides student learning."

- Timothy Rasinski, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Literacy Education, Kent State University, USA

"Teaching in Uncertain Times: Strategies for Reclaiming Agency and Impact on Students' Learning, Laura Robb provides a teacher-friendly resource for educators looking to navigate the complexities of today's classrooms with confidence and purpose. Robb promotes collaboration between teachers and students and describes how to transform even the most reluctant learners into engaged, independent thinkers. She explains practical techniques for building a classroom culture rooted in trust, relationship-building, and cultural responsiveness. Laura shares explicit strategies and ideas tailored for grades K-8, ensuring that instruction is developmentally appropriate and impactful. In addition, she provides innovative suggestions for integrating literacy to support student learning in all disciplines. This book is a powerful and useful resource that teachers will always reach for to promote and enhance student-centered learning in their classrooms."

- Stacey Yost, Grade 5 ELA Teacher, Salem Avenue Elementary School, USA