Uncommon Sense for New Teachers: A Good Beginning Is Half the Work

Uncommon Sense for New Teachers: A Good Beginning is Half the Work is a uniquely written resource for any preservice or new teacher moving into the profession of education. Noted by its author as the book to read, before deciding what other books to read, it offers deft perspective on the pressing issues weighing heavily on the minds and hearts of new teachers, including what teachers don’t learn before they start, but should. Written in short-read sections in each chapter—relevant units to be read in any order—the readings serve as the whisper in one’s head about what one might think, and how to act uncommonly when the next situation arises each day. This book supercharges new teachers, as they apply what they discover in their own way, in any grade, content area, or community.

Ryan Donlan lives life where passion and purpose connect, serving as a lifelong teacher equipping professional educators, human service professionals, and organizational leaders with the skills necessarily to impact positively the lives of others. He serves as Professor of Educational Leadership at Indiana State University, travels extensively with his training, speaking, and authoring, and is most aptly defined as a humble and proud husband and father, with wife Wendy, son Sean, and daughter Katelyn, who keep him grounded and focused on his next day’s best service, to others and self.