Learning Link, 15

What Great Teachers Do Differently, by Todd Whitaker

Yes.  You're right: many  books and materials intended for teachers' professional development  are written poorly and contain nothing of real value.


Not this one.  It's evident that the author has spent time in the classroom: pertinent examples drawn from real life, truthful clarity in discussing issues, and a collection of the things we'd all like to remember to think about, and to do.

Check it out:
  In a discussion about standardized  testing--or, as Whitaker put it, the "shark-infested pool of standarized testing" :
"Effective teachers don't let hot-button issues shift their focus from what really matters.
....Effective teachers focus on the behaviors that lead to success, not the beliefs that stand in the way of it.
....Effective teachers keep testing in perspective.
....fully aware that success on standardized tests brought them greater autonomy to do what they believed was best for students....
....center on the real issue of student learning."  (pp. 109--111)

"Great teachers have high expectations for students but even higher expectations for themselves."

"Great teachers consistently filter out the negatives that don't matter and share a positive attitude."

"Great teachers never forget that it is people, not programs, that determine the quality of a school."

(all quotes above, pp 127-128)

Intrigued?  More depth and more great quotes await....well worth the time,  I'm thinking.