New teacher interested in what books you recommend to get started?

I am going to be teaching Business Education 6-12 in the Fall of 2008. I will be starting my job search in the spring. I graduated from college in 1998 so I am going through an alternative certification program. I am wondering what books you would recommend I read to prepare myself for teaching next year. I have already read Harry Wong. What other books did you read? Or what is your best advice to making it through my first year? Any tips for interviewing and looking for that first job would be appreciated. Thank you.

New teacher interested in what books you recommend to get started?
Harry Wong is a great start! Since your first year is usually about survival, then a well-planned out approach to classroom management is key. Being prepared is essential--you can never over plan or be too prepared. Ask lots of questions, especially of veteran teachers and your mentor.





Along with Wong, another good book would be First Year Teacher's Survival Kit: http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Teacher... (you can find it used for under $10)


AND


Your First Year as a High School Teacher: http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Teacher...


others are The Discipline Survival Kit and Teaching and the Art of Successful Classroom Management








Since I was a new teacher not all that long ago, I still have the following list of links that I went to for new teachers:


http://www.teachersfirst.com/newbie.cfm


http://www.learnnc.org/support/newteach


http://www.nvo.com/ecnewletter/newteache...


http://www.ed.gov/teachers/become/about/... (the gov's site--lots of great info!)








This is from an earlier post of mine on interviewing:





I just went through this with my little sister (I am also a Lang. Arts teacher) when she was interviewing (she's also a Lang Arts teacher--it's in our blood I suppose). I've included a list of sites that we used when I practiced with her.





Some of the questions she encountered has a lot to do with specific scenarios--focusing on how to engage a classroom, manage behavior, establish routines. They will probably ask you about your overall teaching philosophy (you may have drafted one in your ed. classes) and classroom management approach.





My sister had several questions about methods and strategies that she had used to teacher her students reading comprehension, writing skills, critical thinking and the like.





Questions about projects and activities that you would use are sure to come up. Hopefully you have a portfolio ready to go (my interviewer just flipped through mine--all that hard work! BUT, my sister's looked through it very carefully).





Be creative with your questions! Be sincere and honest. Don't answer too fast -- think your responses through. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Most of all, show your enthusiasm for the position AND for your content. If you love your subject matter, it usually shows through and that helps to make an effective and engaging educator.





Bring a portfolio--they may or may not look at it, but having it shows them you are prepared.





Questions to ask them might include:


What is your educational philosophy?


How do you approach professional development for your teachers?


What is a typical day like?


Is there a mentoring program? Can you tell me about it?


What resources will be available to me? Think technology since this is a big focus for education at ALL levels.


Ask about co-teaching/team-teaching/cooperative learning/collaborative learning--all academic buzzwords that show you are in the know and prepared.





Be yourself. Be positive. Practice your questions NOT so you can have a quick response, but just so you feel comfortable with them. Show your love and enthusiasm for teaching--most of all, show your love for children.





Good luck!
Reply:There is a wonderful book called "Tools for Teaching" that gives you a wealth of ways to present material and most importantly some valuable information on behavior management.





Another that you may read later, depending on the kind of kids you teach called, "The Tough Kids" book.





If you have read Harry Wong, then these are the most helpful of anything out there.
Reply:Ron Clark's book would really help...he has some great ideas that really work