The First Year of Teaching: Real World Stories from America's Teachers

by Pearl Rock Kane (editor)

Teachers describe the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of their first year in the profession

Genres: Nonfiction, Education

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Ercilia Delancer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed to find that although this book was published in 1992, it didn't include a single minority teacher, i.e., Hispanic, African-American or Asian, to widen the perspective of what's like to teach in America. Instead, it seems to have relied strictly, or for the most part, on East Coast contributors of mostly Jewish extraction. Apparently, ESL and bilingual classes were not important enough to make the cut.

[Thomas Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

25 short chapters, each by a teacher sharing stories from their first year in education. There are some really lovely memories recounted here, but it's clear that the entries were chosen to fit a narrow spec. I can see the stories here being inspirational, but also alienating. American educators from decades ago (with some stories reaching back to the 30s!) had a lot of similar stories, but also there is a lot missing here. I'd like to read the 2023 equivalent of this.

[Bonnie Wineman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and definitely encouraging

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read that will inspire those great teachers who are doing their best. Lots of very sweet stories to share with beginning teachers that may help support them and keep them in the profession!