Why Great Teachers Quit: And How We Might Stop the Exodus - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1412972450 ISBN 13: 9781412972451

Publisher: Corwin, 2010

Synopsis

Low pay, increased responsibilities and high-stakes standardized testing - these are just some of the reasons why more talented teachers are leaving the profession than ever before. Drawing on in-depth interviews with teachers all over the country, Katy Farber presents an in-the-trenches view of the classroom exodus and uncovers ways that schools can turn the tide.

Farber's findings paint a sometimes shocking picture of life in today's schools, taking a frank look at:

- Challenges to teacher endurance, including tight budgets, difficult parents, standardized testing, unsafe schools, inadequate pay, and lack of respect

- Strategies veteran teachers use to make sure the joys of teaching outweigh the frustrations

- Success stories from individual schools and districts that have found solutions to these challenges

- Recommendations for creating a school environment that fosters teacher retention

Featuring clear analysis and concrete suggestions for administrators and policy makers, Why Great Teachers Quit takes you to the front lines of the fight to keep great teachers where they belong: in the classroom.

About this title

Review:

"This book is a must-read for every principal, school board member, and policy maker concerned about teacher turnover. Farber does an excellent job framing the problems. Now the question is: What are we willing to do to stem the exodus of great teachers from our schools?" (Tom Israel, Executive Director 2009-05-18)

“This book is for every parent who has had their child’s teacher leave in the middle of the year, every administrator who marvels at the difficulty of teacher retention or team spirit, every policy maker ready to walk the walk, and anyone who has invested years in preparation for a career in the classroom only to be faced with the thought of cutting his or her losses.” (Esmé Raji Codell, Author of Educating Esmé 2010-05-06)

“In this lively and interesting book, Katy Farber makes public the real reasons why inexperienced teachers rarely stay long enough or get the support they need to become good, why good teachers don’t become great, and why great teachers quit.” (Deborah Meier, Educational Reformer, Writer, and Activist 2010-02-08)

"A timely book about a major crisis affecting our schools and real solutions to keep our best teachers in the classroom." (Anthony J. Mullen, 2009 National Teacher of the Year 2010-05-28)

"Finally, a book written by a practicing teacher who really understands what it is like to teach in today's schools: the demands, challenges, and rewards. Joining her are the voices of teachers from all over the country who have come together to share their stories and wisdom. Written with passion and insight, this is an excellent resource for anyone vested in improving education and keeping quality teachers in the classroom. This book should be required reading for every administrator and school board member." (Julie Smart, Special Educator 2009-07-01)

"This book can remind those who teach why we do so, not only reconnect us with our core beliefs, but also to motivate us to speak up beyond our individual classrooms on behalf of the well-being of our students and the ultimate success of public schools." (Kenneth J. Bernstein 2011-10-12)

About the Author:

Katy Farber is a teacher, author, and founder of the blog, Non-Toxic Kids. She is also the author of two books about education, Why Great Teachers Quit and How We Might Stop the Exodus and Change the World with Service Learning. Katy has written for various news, parenting, non-profit and educational publications, including MomsRising, Moms Clean Air Force, Educational Leadership, CNN’s School of Thought Blog, Problogger, Fox News opinion, and many others.

About this edition

• Publisher: Corwin
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1412972450
• ISBN 13: 9781412972451
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200
• Editor: Farber Katherine