Barbara Pressman

This “how to” book was given to me about a year ago and has been collecting dust on my bookshelf until my Writer’s Notebook prompted me to pick it up.

The book systematically walks the reader through several major strategies (and pitfall avoidance suggestions) to improve his or her substitute teaching practice. Some sections are very practical (i.e. classroom management tips, suggested backup plans), while others feel inadequate, in and of themselves (i.e. the short 9 page chapter on “Ethics”).

For the purpose of a quick substitute teaching overview, or a panicked night-before reading, this book could be very useful. However, if a reader were seeking any type of broader understanding of the methodology/philosophy of teaching, they would likely find themselves dissatisfied by the quick “how to” format of the book.… (mer)