Becoming a Teacher

Building upon a strong “mentoring” message that has long been the tradition of this text, Becoming a Teacher, Sixth Edition, takes a straight-forward look at what it means to be a professional teacher in today's high-stakes environment of education. This no-nonsense approach provides students with the tools and information necessary to answer the questions “What does it take to become a professional teacher?” and “Do I want to teach?” New “On the Frontlines” feature in every chapter provides readers first-hand insights into real-world challenges teachers face. A special “Preparing for the Praxis” section at the front of the book and a new “Meeting the Standards” feature in every chapter provides prospective teachers with guidelines on developing the skills necessary to meet the performance standards on teacher development set forth by INTASC, NCATE, PRAXIS, and NBPTS.

This no-nonsense approach provides students with the tools and information necessary to answer the questions “What does it take to become a professional teacher?” and “Do I want to teach?” Along the way, the authors provide practical perspectives for meeting the challenges of teaching. Organized into four parts, the book addresses both practical and foundational topics to give readers a well-rounded view of the teaching profession. This new edition lends added emphasis to meeting standards and helps students make difficult decisions about their teaching future by fostering an awareness of the realities of teaching in America today.

New to This Edition

• A new chapter Chapter 10 “Curriculum Standards, Assessment, and Student Learning” examines the role that standards and new approaches to assessing student learning have in today's classrooms.
• A new Chapter 9 on “Authentic Instruction and Curricula for Creating a Community of Learners” highlights proven strategies for creating positive learning environments and well-managed classrooms.
• A new “On the Frontlines” feature in every chapter provides readers first-hand insights into real-world challenges teachers face and practical solutions for meeting those challenges, as well as a “Survival Guide” of recommended resources to help them in their practicum and student teaching experiences.
• A new “Meeting the Standards” feature in every chapter provides prospective teachers with guidelines for developing the skills necessary to meet the performance standards on teacher development set forth by INTASC, NCATE, PRAXIS, and NBPTS.
• “Reflections on Education” features at the end of each Part provide a scholarly examination of key issues that must be addressed as education moves forward into the twenty-first century.
• A special “Preparing for the Praxis” section at the front of the book provides students with a brief tutorial of FAQs, test-taking tips, and sample test questions intended to remove some of the intimidation of this important professional step. Correlations to content in the book demonstrate why Becoming a Teacher, 6e is the ideal preparation guide for taking the Praxis.

Visit the Companion Website for this text at www.ablongman.com/parkay where you will find a variety of online resources to enhance learning.