Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
1
T o the Student To the Student
This book has a simple title—Teaching. Teaching implies action. This is a book about how
and why you should take action to become a teacher—not just any teacher, but a well-prepared,
committed, engaging, skilled, effective, and creative teacher.
Additionally, this book is about educators who came before you, their motivations, and
their accomplishments. These historical accounts will help you understand the business of
education—how schools are funded, who is in charge, and how schools impact society.
Without students, schools would not exist. Students are energetic, engaging, curious,
serious, challenging, and fun! As you consider a career in teaching, this textbook teaches you
about students and how they change physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially as they
grow and mature. Understanding these dramatic changes in growth and development are key
factors in learning how to teach.
While exploring the world of education today, you will learn what makes a teacher effective.
For example, how can classrooms promote active learning? How do teachers plan for effective
instruction? How can technology enhance and promote learning? What is assessment and how
do teachers use it to evaluate and encourage learner achievement?
Will you learn how to teach? Yes. In this book, you will learn foundational skills in how to
design an instructional plan, choose teaching strategies, and assess whether learning has taken
place. Asking questions of experienced teachers will motivate and inspire you to learn more
about how to become an effective teacher. As you observe teachers who know how to manage
classrooms and create an
effective learning environment
for their students, you will learn
more about what it takes to
become a teaching professional.
Will you be a teacher
when you finish this book? No.
Becoming a teacher requires
much more preparation.
Becoming an excellent teacher
requires experience and the
lifelong desire to keep learning.
This book will, however, inspire
you and provide a road map for
your exploration of the teaching
profession. Remember, teaching
requires action. Begin to take
action toward your teaching
career today!