From the critically acclaimed author of Daddy Needs a Drink—hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “consistently hilarious”—comes a series of irreverent, wickedly observant essays about what it really means to be a teacher today. With his trademark wit and wisdom, Robert Wilder dissects the world’s noblest profession—whether he’s taming a classroom full of hormonal teenagers or going one-on-one with the school bully. Wilder was twenty-six when he found his true calling. Leaving a lucrative advertising career in New York, he got a job as an assistant first-grade teacher at a Santa Fe alternative school—and never looked back. Now he brings his unique perspective—as a teacher, parent, and former student—to a series of laugh-out-loud essays that show teaching at its most absurd…and most rewarding. With brutal candor he chronicles his own lively adventures in modern education, from navigating cutthroat kindergarten sign-ups to subbing for a class experiment gone wrong–and dares to tell about it. He shares the surprising lessons he’s learned in the trenches of his profession, including how to bribe a four-year-old (his own) to stop swearing in a Lutheran preschool and the best way to teach moody teenagers…manage “helicopter” parents…and cope with bullies—whether of the school-yard, Internet, or parental kind. And he offers tough love for cheaters who log on to www.SchoolSucks.com, then puts to rest forever the question of why new teachers gain weight (hint: the free donuts don’t help). In Tales from the Teachers’ Lounge, Robert Wilder charts life’s learning curve with a warmth and humor you don’t find in textbooks. By turns heartwarming, eye-opening, and uproariously funny, these pitch-perfect essays offer priceless lessons in life, family, learning, and teaching from a true lover of education.

Behind the doors of teachers' lounges, teachers share with each other. They share their frustrations and enjoyment. They also share stories about the students they serve. Sometimes these stories are meant to entertain, and at other times, these stories are designed to illustrate a message about the nature of students and the importance of teacher behaviors. Through the edited book volume, The Teachers' Lounge: Tales Told and Lessons Learned, the editors manage to capture the spirit of teacher communalism in print form. Fun, heart-warming, and even bewildering within-school tales are shared. Through the narratives presented, associated lessons are also shared. These lessons elevate new, as well as experienced, teacher capacity and encourage responsible teaching behaviors. Each chapter ends with questions and statements for reflection and discussion, creating a comprehensively engaging and didactic experience from which all teachers could benefit. Though it was especially developed for new and emerging teachers, this volume serves as a didactic glimpse into teaching and a powerful resource for all teachers."This volume made me reflect upon my time as a teacher. I could relate to every word within it. I also got a good laugh."-- Garrett Dennis, Councilman, City of Jacksonville, Florida"This volume is a considerate contribution to help prepare new teachers for the reality of the classroom. It is reflective, responsible, and resolute."--David H. Jackson, Jr., Professor of History, Associate Provost for Graduate Education & Dean School of Graduate Studies, Research, and Continuing Education, Florida A&M University"I really wish I had a resource like this when I began teaching. I was bombarded with theory, but there was nothing that I could really relate to. I had so many misconceptions that I was forced to reconcile with reality. This book opens the door to the world of real teaching for new teachers. It will help many."--Lasonya G. Rentz, Guidance Counselor "Books like this are essential if we are going to prepare a new generation of teachers who are ready to assist and foster growth in all students."--Diedrich Arterberry, Veteran Teacher

The stories, tales, and memories of Life-Arc Teaching Tales deal with the instructiveness of teaching, as well as the hammered, ironic learning of getting through any lifetime.

When an imaginative child peeks inside a teachers lounge, he embarks on a wild, funny adventure you'll never forget!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales brings much-needed inspiration to teachers, and brings together great stories about teaching from the 2009 National Teacher of the Year and all the 2009 State Teachers of the Year, as well as other teachers and stories of thanks from students. A great teacher gift all year round. There’s always that one special teacher or student, and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales regales all educators with its heartfelt, inspiring, and humorous stories from inside and outside the classroom. Stories from teachers and students about their favorite memories, lasting lessons, and unforgettable moments will uplift and encourage any teacher. A foreword by Anthony J. Mullen, 2009 National Teacher of the Year, and stories from all the 2009 State Teachers of the Year.

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