Creating the Dynamic Classroom : A Handbook for Teachers

An essential pre-service and in-service text for university faculty, school principals, mentors, and teachers.

Creating the Dynamic Classroom is a valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers. It educates teachers on how to set up a classroom where students are empowered to create a positive learning environment that considers social, developmental, and environmental issues critically. By highlighting their own understandings, the authors help teachers make the necessary links between philosophy and practical application. They examine the classroom environment, timetabling, instructional strategies, organization and classroom atmosphere and outline a multitude of ways to put their ideas into action.

Susan Schwartz is currently a Course Instructor in the Master of Teaching program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. Along with her 15 years in the classroom, and nine years as a school administrator in both the elementary and secondary panels, she was also a curriculum consultant and workshop presenter. Her doctoral work (2005) and research focused on portfolios and leadership. Susan is the 2005 recipient of the Award for Distinguished Contribution to Teaching from OISE, University of Toronto, a co-recipient of the Jennie Mitchell Celebrate Literacy Award from the International Reading Association and the Ontario Reading Association, and a two times Writer’s Award winner from the Federation of Women Teachers’ Association of Ontario.

Mindy Pollishuke is currently a Coordinator and Instructor in the pre-service teacher education program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. In addition to her many years as an elementary classroom teacher, Mindy was also a Generalist and Literacy Consultant for 15 years and the Project Leader for Support of Beginning Teachers. She also spent three years as a Course Director for York University’s Faculty of Education pre-service program.  Mindy is a co-recipient of the Jennie Mitchell Celebrate Literacy Award from the International Reading Association and the Ontario Reading Association and a Writer’s Award winner from the Federation of Women Teachers’ Association of Ontario.