Deliberate Optimism: Reclaiming the Joy in Education - Softcover

Silver, Debbie Thompson; Berckemeyer, Jack Charles; Baenen, Judith R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1483307832 ISBN 13: 9781483307831

Publisher: Corwin, 2014

Synopsis

Through research-based strategies, practical examples, and thought-provoking scenarios, the authors provide food for thought along with enough humor to make the journey fun.  Discussion questions and action steps follow each chapter, and an appendix of further activities is provided at the end of the book.

• Visual elements: graphs, charts, forms, graphics, etc.
• Study guide section
• Comprehensive bibliography
• Glossary
• Comprehensive appendix including handout-master templates
• Video clips of author presentations

About this title

Review:

"Deliberate Optimism reminds us that we have far more control than we realize.  The refreshing and encouraging perspective helps us tackle our daily challenges and offers concrete actions and introspective suggestions that capture our true sense of efficacy as a professional.  By heeding the message, we can become empowered to do whatever we can to make a difference with our students, in our classrooms, and throughout our schools.   It affirms that “Can Do” attitude and culture that I witness in the National Forum’s Schools to Watch middle grades initiative across the country.  The message of Deliberate Optimism reinforces my personal, coping strategy of humming “Keep on the Sunny Side” when I encounter negativity and challenges!" (Deborah Kasak, Executive Director)

"The monologue about teachers has been pretty awful over the past few years. Teachers did not get into the profession to be kicked around during political campaigns, they got into education because of a love for children, and a passion for learning. Deliberate Optimism is for all of those teachers who have lost or forgotten that along the way. Read this book...and regain your optimism."

(Peter DeWitt, Corwin Author & Consulting Editor for the Corwin Connected Educators Series)

“Teaching is tough, but it's not supposed to be masochistic. Sometimes teachers forget that taking care of ourselves is an important part of the job. Deliberate Optimism helps educators learn how refill our mental and emotional gas tanks – or at least increase our fuel efficiency.”

(Roxanna Elden, Author of See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers)

"I can't think of anyone more effective in helping us teachers bring joy and optimism to our work than Debbie Silver.  And that also goes for providing us with instructional strategies to help our students want to do the same." (Larry Ferlazzo, Teacher, Author and Education Week Educator Advice Columnist)

"Students have a right to see someone in the front of the room who is confident, competent, and incurably optimistic. Too often, the status quo in classrooms and buildings is decidedly—and powerfully—negative. Every district leader and building principal should put this book in the hands of teachers and teacher assistants—and then model the kind of deliberate optimism teachers have a right to expect from their leaders."

(Ron Nash, Presenter and author of The Active Classroom series)

"You'll love this book! The authors offer a prescription for schools that costs nothing but has been proven to be invaluable: joy. By the time you finish this book, you'll find yourself truly optimistic about the future of education. If you are interested in improving education, be deliberate and grab copies of this book for everyone in your school district. It will remind you how smiles - not standards - are the secret to inspiring lifelong learning." (Dr. Danny Brassell, "America's Leading Reading Ambassador" and Author of Bringing Joy Back into the Classroom)

"This book is a must-have resource for experienced as well as novice teachers. Easy to read and implement, it offers a wealth of sensible, realistic, and inspiring advice about how to successfully manage the daily business of being a classroom teacher. Its positive message is simply empowering!" (Julia G. Thompson, Author of The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide)

"A must read for every educator. This book details why they must work to maintain their optimism and how they can do that—and does this with a twist of humor.

Nothing important can be accomplished without optimism. Since teaching is a task of highest importance, this book should be read by anyone who is, or aspires to be, a teacher.

In an era of relentless criticism and overriding pessimism about our educational system, this book will lift the spirits of all who work in schools."

(Michael Connolly, Co-Author, Young Enough to Change the World)

"With so much negativity heaped on education today there is a need for sources of inspiration and this book provides it. Not only is the book a singular call to arms for teachers to reclaim their joy but within these pages are real strategies for healing our souls and growing positive, nurturing classrooms. Bravo my friends, we needed this book!" (Kevin Honeycutt, International speaker, author, song writer, and program developer)

"Deliberate Optimism is what every teacher needs before the start of school, in the midst of the longest months of teaching, and at the end of the academic year. The work of Silver, Berckemeyer, and Baenen is insightful, uplifting and engaging! The book is inspiring and reminds all educators that they are in control of their own happiness and can transfer that happiness and optimism to students." (Dr. Russell J. Quaglia, Founder & Author, Student Voice: The Instrument of Change)

About the Author:

Learn more about Debbie Silver's PD offerings
Debbie Silver is truly a “teacher’s teacher!” She is a former science teacher and an award-winning educator with 30 years experience as a classroom teacher, staff development instructor, and university professor. Her numerous recognitions include being named the 1990 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year and the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Education at Louisiana Tech University. Along the way she has taught almost every grade level and most every kind of student.

Debbie is one of the most popular keynoters and professional development presenters in the United States. Audiences everywhere respond to her use of humor and sensitivity to remind them of how important teachers are in the lives of children. Her insights into student and teacher behavior are extraordinary. Through research-based theory, poignant stories, and hilarious characterizations she connects with the souls of all who are involved in education.

Dr. Silver has been an invited author for several educational journals and has given keynotes at state, national, and international conferences in 49 states, throughout Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and Asia.

Debbie is the author of the bestselling book, Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers: Finding the Rhythm for Differentiated Learning. She is a co-author of Because You Teach and Middle School Matters. Songs she co-wrote with Monte Selby are featured on his latest cds. She and her husband, Dr. Lawrence Silver, have five grown sons, three daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren (so far). They live with two dogs in Melissa, Texas.

Debbie can be reached through her website: www.debbiesilver.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Corwin
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1483307832
• ISBN 13: 9781483307831
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 184