Untenured, Uncensored is a great resource for new and experienced teachers. It provides a roadmap to the pitfalls in the classroom—and how to extricate yourself when you fall into one.
Andrew Trees, teacher; author of Academy X, New York City This book is funny, relevant, and insightful! Every new teacher should read it for its humorous, behind-the-scenes information that isn't taught in grad school.
Jennifer Lohrfink, teacher, Mahopac High School (NY) and contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Untenured, Uncensored is a tell-all guide to the euphoric highs and unimaginable lows of the lives of urban and suburban new teachers. The authors bare the naked truth of their own blunder-laden first years in order to help new teachers, those who think they may want to become new teachers, and those in the business of preparing, mentoring, supervising and hiring new teachers see the realities that cannot be conveyed through the typical college education class. Through their stories, tips, and administrative analysis Mahoney and Purr hope to save new teachers from making the same rookie mistakes they made.
Pea Bulletin
New York City high school English teachers Mahoney and Purr speak to first-time teachers with their own narratives, cartoons, case studies, analyses of what happens in the classroom and the front office, and a health does of reality in terms of what to do and not to do in that first crucial year. Although they direct much of this to new teachers they also have advice for school administrators and teacher trainers about how to better prepare newcomers for the experience, starting with understanding the teaching mind and moving on to the first week, getting and staying organized, practicing self-discipline, meeting the rents, negotiating teacher' lounge politics, dealing with school violence, and getting the guts not only to live through it but to thrive.
Reference and Research Book News
An effective look at the reality of teaching that reminds new teachers that their behavior is equally as important as their knowledge and skills. The format is easy to read and interesting to follow. The authors' candor is admitting their own difficulties and mistakes establishes a tone that is likely to appeal to the intended audience. Highly recommended.
CHOICE
Mahoney and Purr tell the truth about what's it like being a new, fresh, unseasoned teacher in an American public school, stumbling and bumbling as you experience the classroom, eventual job reviews, criticisms, occasional praise, and sometimes tenure. Live through the hell that new teachers experience, as they make mistakes-and what their supervisors (principals or assistant principals) say about their botching up a class. Learn about the apprenticeship of the nation's largest professional group—the growing number of new teachers, who are responsible for the next generation of children. And discover the powerful tools, advice, and graphic examples so useful in preparing new teachers for the future.
Bruce S. Cooper, professor and vice chair, Division of Administration, Policy and Urban Education (APUE), at the Fordham University Graduate Scho, Ph.D., professor and vice chair, Division of Administration, Policy and Urban Education (APUE), at the Fordham University Graduate School of Education,…