My First Year in the Classroom: 50 Stories That Celebrate the Good, the Bad, and the Most Unforgettable Moments

by Stephen D. Rogers

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
—Lao Tzu

But is the teacher ready? That’s the question that haunts every teacher that fateful first day in the classroom. Making it through that day and the 179 school days that follow is how every career in education—and lifelong learning—truly begins. In this collection, fifty teachers share the trials, tribulations, and triumphs they’ve experienced during their first year on the job. Organized along the lines of the school calendar, these touching tales illustrate the learning curve experienced by new

Genres: College, Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Stephen is the author of THREE-MINUTE MYSTERIES, SHOT TO DEATH, and more than 700 shorter pieces. Visit his website, www.stephendrogers.com, for a list of new and upcoming titles as well as other timely information.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to have the opportunity to read other teachers' "first-time" stories, but so many of them were written by people who started teaching 40/50 years ago and passed along lessons that didn't necessarily age well. Today's testing culture doesn't lend itself to the same issues with technology or curricula creation as it did half a century ago. I wish more of the authors had chosen to pass on timeless advice that wouldn't become less relevant as the years wear on. Near the end, there were more stories from teachers in the Google-era who shared stories (funny, enthusiastic, helpful) that were surprisingly more timeless than those penned by long-time teachers.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon what I hope will be my first year in the classroom I've decided to read a few books like this. It makes me realize that most days in my first year probably won't be amazing but ill learn something from each one and wan lesson will make me a better teacher. Amazing stories.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone to read , especially first time teachers . For teachers it's a great reminder that you will make mistakes , you will learn as well as you teach, and it's a reminder to have fun with your job.

[Johannah A Classy Rebel Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My First Year in the Classroom,” edited by Stephen D. Rogers, is a collection of stories from the classroom. This book is full of stories of new teachers, substitutes, and experienced educators. You will laugh, cry and cringe along with these teachers as they try to navigate their crazy school day.

(Book 94 of 100) As a first-year teacher, this was an interesting book to read. It has been a difficult year trying to teach during a pandemic, making lessons for students in class/online learners, dealing with parents, constantly attending IEP/504 meetings, and still trying to have a social life. I identified with many teachers in this book and their struggles with difficult students. I laughed and also cried while reading many of these stories. While teaching is a difficult job, it is also quite rewarding. The look on a student's face when they understand a lesson or them helping friends in need. I know I have a lot to still learn, but I'm so excited to make a difference in these kids' lives. I give this book a 5/5-star rating. I recommend this book to anyone in the education field. (Also, thanks @sarahs_observations for letting me use your dog for this photo!)

#MyFirstYearInTheClassroom #StephenDRogers #100BooksInOneYear #Imaclassyrebelreader #lookatmyclassyrebelread #bookcommunity #instabooks #igreads #igbooks #bookish #books #booksbooksbooks #bookphotography #reader #reading #bookreviews #teachers #school #teacherstories #PowerfulAndBeneficialRumors #OpenHouseWhiskey #ShibaInu #ShibaAndBooks

[Kyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely a bit dated when examining the climate of teaching and advice within methodologies. However, it is also clear to me that the passion for teaching felt by teachers holds constant no matter what the time period composed. These stories often made me smile and while I took some advice with a grain of salt, it made me excited to be a teacher. Ultimately, I think that was the goal. To provide a bit of hope to the anxious university student trying to feel prepared to begin their teaching career.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of teacher stories. It's amazing how similar the first year of teaching is wherever you are.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a story or two before bed helped me to get some sleep in those first few weeks. Very encouraging. Thanks, Caren!