Your First Year

Reviews / Votes

"The authors of Your First Year have done an amazing job with this book. The book presents strategies and ideas in an easy-to-use format. This book is an amazing tool for ANY teacher needing help with classroom procedures, students, parents, and co-workers!" --Sara Cope, Principal and Former Teacher, BonDeCroft Elementary, Sparta, TN

"Loaded with common-sense best practices, the authors give remarkable insights into classroom management. This book will be a catalyst for helping new educators hone their craft of teaching at any level or content area through the use of proven strategies and reflective questions. Your First Year models equitable instructional practices while giving timely advice through real-life examples." --Gail A. Epps, Program Manager, New Teacher Induction, Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland

"Your First Year is not only an essential "must read" for new teachers, but is also an inspiring reminder to experienced teachers about the nuts and bolts of a classroom that support learning. The Whitakers have managed to translate volumes of research on effective pedagogy into a very practical and useful book that I imagine will be found in the teacher's library well-worn from constant reference." --Phillip S. Rogers, Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)

"Your First Year is designed to bring out the best in new teachers. It is a great combination of practical application and research-based practices that goes beyond the typical classroom set-up and procedures by exploring how to troubleshoot when things don't go as planned. As a principal, I would want my new teachers to read this book to guide them on their first year of teaching. With the Whitakers' book to guide them, new teachers will be primed for a successful school year, and students will be the winners." --Jayne Ellspermann, Principal of West Port High School, Ocala, Florida and President, National Association of Secondary School Principals (2016-2017)

"Your First Year is a book all teacher candidates and first year teachers should be required to read. The sound and practical advice in structuring and managing the classroom is invaluable, and the important interaction tips will help keep more of our young teachers in the classroom. Without a doubt, this book contains the essence to survival and becoming an effective teacher." -Dr. Charles Kent Runyan, Professor, College of Education, Pittsburg State University

"The advice the authors provide is positive and encouraging, and serves to prevent some potential (and predictable) problems in the classroom. It is also a great review/reference guide for veteran teachers who are seeking to tune up their current teaching practices."--Linda Biondi, MiddleWeb, middleweb.com

"The first year of a teacher's career is really important - new teachers need support and reassurance to start off successfully and to cope with the pressure that year brings. The book is relevant for primary and secondary teachers as the author has worked with his daughters - Madeline, an elementary teacher, and Katherine, a secondary teacher. This means readers have the assurance that the step-by-step guidance is based on experience [...] It is a succinct book and that's perfect for new teachers who will have plenty to do without ploughing through masses of information to find relevant points." - Sarah Brew, Parents in Touch