First-Year Teacher's Guidebook, 1998

should be the title of this book! As a recent college graduate, I mistakenly felt prepared to go into the classroom and "do my best" This book opened my eyes to the reality of what to expect and prepared me for it. I think Bonnie Williamson hit it right on the nose with her title, and I suggest you don't enter the classroom without it, better yet, don't accept a job without it, don't enter a teacher program without it! (smile) Really, it gives you a better outlook of the "teacher's world" and is an excellent preparation resource! Good luck and God Bless you! Oh yeah! Also, check out "The First Days of School" by Harry and Rosemary Wong (GREAT BOOK!) Yolunda

Finally, here's a book every first-year teacher should have. While the first year is often filled with excitement and apprehension, Williamson provides the reader with so many valuable tips on what new teachers need to be prepared for on that journey to successful teaching.I am starting a position this fall, and I'm glad I have this book. I was not as concerned on whether I could teach the children or manage a classroom as much as I was concerned about what SUPPLIES I needed to get the class started. Williamson provides a list of what every teacher should have on hand. All the information any new teacher needs is here, including setting up bulletin boards, teaching for the first week and month of school, conducting parent-teacher conferences, dealing with paper work, and planning for field trips. Great book, and it should be required for not only new teachers, but also for those who are doing student teaching.

As a first-year teacher just starting in my own classroom, I have to say that Bonnie Williamson has written a very clear and concise book for first-year teachers. Her chapters are ordered in a logical manner (examples: Getting Started, Organizing Your Classroom, Preparations for Opening Day, First Day, First Week, First Month, etc.). This book helps the first-year teacher to remember the little things that may be forgotten in the rush and stress of starting the school year. Ms. Williamson has also added tips every few pages. These are helpful hints that aid the new teacher in staying on track.Some first-year teachers may not like this book because it does not have any forms that can be reproduced. (A book for that is First-Class Teacher by Canter and Associates.) However, the information in this book is incredibly valuable and much needed for us first-year teachers. I am glad I happened to take a risk and order it sight unseen. It was definitely worth it, and I WILL be recommending it highly for years to come!

I found that this book was one of the best books I have read for first year teachers. I am a first year teacher who after college thought "I can not do this teaching. College did not prepare me for this." After reading the step by step guidelines in this book, I felt like I was not taking on such a big challenge. Bonnie Williamson gives advice for everyting from how to survive the interviews to what to do on the last day of school. She gives lists for supplies that the teacher needs, lists of rewards and anything else you can imagine. I have even bought this book for a friend of mine who is a teacher and recomended it to others. Thanks for all the good stuff Bonnie Williamson!

I found Bonnie's book to be an excellent source of practical, step-by-step information that can smoothly guide any teacher throughout the school year - especially new teachers, like myself. Her advice and suggestions are presented in such a way so as to build up the confidence of teachers, while motivating them to be innovative and creative educators. While reading this book, I developed a more positive attitude about teaching. I can do this! Thanks, Bonnie Williamson!