See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers

Roxanna has a writing style that keeps you turning the pages, not only to learn all the useful information and tips in the book, but also to get to her hilarious quips. It's a terrific book and I can't recommend it enough to my teacher friends, whether they are new or have been teaching for years. Although, I am not a teacher, I found the insights in the book to apply to dealing with little people at home, too. The "Consequences and Rewards" for behavior section is a gold mine of ideas that I will be using on our son when he's old enough to get into trouble. I can't wait to read her next book! And the next! And the next! -Ginger

See Me After Class, Roxanna's first book [but hopefully not last], is humorous, insightful, and definitely worthwhile. It is a book written by a teacher for teachers. In her book, Roxanna brings to light the truth about the teaching career but doesn't "sugar-coat" teaching like many college professors like to do. However, she doesn't take away from the truth about this career... that it's a rewarding job that is completely worth the many headaches, sleepless nights, and sometimes heartbreaks. As a teacher myself, I wish I would've had a book like this one to guide me during my first year; a book so straight-forward and helpful. As I read this book and the many "first-year teacher horror stories", I couldn't help but continue nodding my head in agreement with what I was reading. I, too, remember my "unprepared teacher dream". I, too, had numerous lesson plans run shorter than expected. I remember wanting to pull my hairs out when I looked at the clock to realize that I still had another thirty minutes to "entertain" my students. And of course, many times when I sought help from veteran teachers I heard the overused phrase "Well, there must be something you're not doing right." I had to learn the hard way... through trial and error alone but it's a relief to know that new teachers now have this book to help make their life easier. I don't believe anything can ever replace experience in the classroom and in the end, it's our best learning tool but it's definitely nice to have a reference to turn to, especially when we feel like quitting and just giving up on it all. This book will tell you exactly how it is but will also help you realize that there's hope and a bright light at the end of the teaching tunnel.

I have been teaching for almost 7 years and a lot of what I've learned has been on the job. After reading this book, all I could think about was how much I wish it had been around my first year as a teacher. To say it would have been a big help is an understatement! Elden's book is a mix of do's and don't's and advice from experienced teachers she's met in her time teaching. Elden is quite experienced herself, having taught the full gamut, from 4th grade to high school and even adult education. Her writing style is both lively and witty, which allows the more technical sections (detailing class management and lesson plan tips, etc.) to be easily readable. Another great feature in this book are the recommended supply lists for new teachers. She sagely advises new teachers not to buy everything but the kitchen sink, instead pointing out the items novice educators sometimes forget to buy, such as staplers and staples. This book proves it IS possible to teach an old teacher new tricks -- whether you're a teacher or know someone about to begin their first year as a teacher, this book is a must-buy.

This book is absolutely fantastic. It's realistic, humorous, ever so slightly cynical, but not enough to make anyone want to reconsider being a teacher. On the contrary, it gives new teachers ammunition to enter the classroom more prepared, eyes wide open to potential problems, and with plenty of concrete suggestions to use when problems do indeed arise. This book does not deny the utility of the conventional wisdom for lesson planning, teaching methods and strategies, or classroom management given by other first-year teacher books. Rather, it explains real-life situations in the classroom in less idealistic terms, shows teachers where potential pitfalls lie, and gives concrete suggestions (not vague, open-to-interpretation words of wisdom) to either avoid the problems completely or, at the very least, do damage control. It even addresses politics within the school, and how to deal with problematic coworkers and administrators. Each situation is highlighted by real-life stories from real teachers who struggled in their first years...but ultimately stuck with it and became successful. As a teacher myself, I can definitely relate to the stories in here (thus the humor!) and, though I've already been in the classroom 3 years and have figured out plenty of my own strategies and tricks that work for me, I've also gotten several new ideas from reading this book that I plan to try out come August! A great, quick, witty and useful read. Highly recommended!

I was actually working on the same book idea. After reading this book, I will put my idea to rest. This is wonderfully written and is surprising truthful. As an English teacher, I am beyond impressed.