By John Tomsett (author)
"A groundbreaking book that celebrates exceptional teachers."
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This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here .
Having read the title of this book, I was a little concerned about writing a review. What to say, who would the book appeal to, what is its market, would the topic make interesting reading? However, as I started to read, I became aware of how unique and clever it was, and just how inspirational. It accurately records what it really is to be a great teacher.
The book talks about 9 different primary teachers, how they teach, what inspires them and how their approaches effect the classes they teach. Each chapter focuses on just one teacher from Yr 6 class teachers to reception teachers, SEN schools and those working in research schools.
The format for each chapter is the same.
• Introduction – profile of the teacher
• Teaching – the lesson itself.
• What the pupil thinks
• Interview with the teacher
• Testimonials from parents.
• What can we (the reader) learn
• Pupils’ annual achievement chart
Focusing on an individual teacher makes the book very readable as you engage more with the person written about; they become real. Each teacher has their own story and approach, discussing both why they came into the profession and whose educational methods they reference or admire. The pupils’ testimonials, which predictably, are wonderful, from ‘we just love her’ ‘she makes hard things easy’, to the classic cool year 6 pupil, ‘she’s ok’ praise indeed!
Although all the experiences are different, their beliefs and approaches are all quite similar, with the same common positive messages. I think these are definitely worth sharing.
• Challenge within boundaries
• Be reflective and open to adapting plans within the lesson
• Have high expectations and don’t take short cuts.
• Delight in pupils’ success
• Be enthusiastic. If you are not, you can’t expect your pupils to be so.
They all seem obvious messages, but reading them as an established teacher, is a perfect reminder of why we are there and what we are doing, and the long term affect we can have on our pupils. It is all too easy to overlook the obvious and just go through the motions. The message of being reflective is continually referred to as a clear and positive message.
As a new or inspiring teacher, the book provides the perfect guide to success. One of my favourite tips was to always give verbal feedback and check on progress and understanding throughout the lesson. There is little point taking books home to mark and realising that ‘the class didn’t really get that!’
It really is a great book about great teachers, and I cannot believe that any educator would not be able to take something positive from this book. It reminds us of why teaching is such an important profession and how we all need to remember what an important role teachers play in the lives of their pupils, but that teachers are also continually learning too.
This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here.
Read the full description
Foreword by Professor Rob Coe
Covering a range of school types, social contexts, pupil ages and subjects, it brings to life how nine outstanding primary teachers engage, inspire, nurture and motivate their pupils. Each detailed vignette, based on observing the teachers teach, and discussions with them, their colleagues and pupils, brings the qualities of truly great teachers to life.
Each teacher is unique in the way they teach and in how they talk about teaching. But they also have some common behaviours and attitudes that make them truly great, which John draws together, summarising what we can learn from their unbridled enthusiasm, skill and dedication to giving their pupils the very best foundation for a bright future.
Essential reading for all primary school teachers, school leaders, teacher trainers and education researchers.
John Tomsett spent 33 years teaching in state schools and served as a secondary headteacher for 18 years, most recently at Huntington Research School in York. He runs a blog entitled “This Much I Know” and has written extensively on topics related to school leadership, as well as enhancing teaching and learning.
John advocates that the primary duty of all headteachers is to develop exceptional teaching. He is the author of thirteen books, including Love Over Fear: Creating a Culture for Truly Great Teaching and Mind Over Matter: Improving Mental Health in Our Schools . In the Huh: Curriculum series, he worked alongside curriculum specialist Mary Myatt. Additionally, he co-founded The Headteachers' Roundtable think tank and is a sought-after speaker in the field of education. Currently, he serves as the educational consultant for the AI teacher coach known as Aristotal.
This title is available from the Crown House Publishing website here. Foreword by Professor Rob Coe Covering a range of school types, social contexts, pupil ages and subjects, it brings to life how nine outstanding primary teachers engage, inspire, nurture and motivate their pupils.
This Much I know About Truly Great Primary Teachers features in the following genres: Books for Teachers, Recommendations
Paperback. £15.29, down from the £16.99 cover price. In Stock.
This Much I know About Truly Great Primary Teachers was written by John Tomsett and published by Crown House Publishing
This Much I know About Truly Great Primary Teachers has 200 pages
£15.29, reduced from £16.99. In Stock.
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