The Novice Advantage: Fearless Practice for Every Teacher (Corwin Teaching Essentials)

This down-to-earth guide reveals a fundamental principle: the best teachers grow through risk, reflection, and revision. Learn how to teach with the daring of a beginner, build a network of support to improve teaching practice, and implement new classroom strategies that engage and motivate students. This book demonstrates how all teachers can harness and leverage the growth mindset inherent to novice teachers throughout their careers, helping all teachers consistently refresh and reinvigorate their teaching. Jonathan Eckert was a public school teacher outside of Chicago and Nashville for 12 years. He earned his doctorate in education at Vanderbilt University and served as a U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellow in both the Bush and Obama administrations. Currently, he is an associate professor of education at Wheaton College where he prepares teachers and returns regularly to teach in the district where his career began. In addition to leading professional development across the country, he has published numerous peer-reviewed and practitioner articles on teaching effectiveness and education policy. Dedication Acknowledgements Preface The Novice Advantage Who Needs This? A Way Forward A Way Back A Way to Make Our Work Easier A Tool for Fearless Action Part 1: Novice Mindset and Process Chapter 1: Cringeworthy Moments - Why Would I Want to be a Novice? Is He Serious? Creative Struggle It's Not About "Novice" Instead of "Expert" The Growth Mindset and the Novice Mindset A Brief Look at the Condition of U.S. Education Lost or Taken Away? From Cringeworthy to Desirable Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. Chapter 2: Embrace the Novice Mindset Three Exemplary "Novices" Novice Mindset Markers Developing and Maintaining a Novice Mindset Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. Chapter 3: Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. The "Four Rs" Reflection and Your Professional Learning Network The Four Rs Transform the Classroom into an Exploratorium Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. Part II: Practices Chapter 4: Fill the Classroom Create Space for Growth Engage the Entire Class Teach Students to Work Hard Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. Chapter 5: Motivate Pragmatically Stop Setting Ourselves Up for Failure Pragmatic Motivation Apply the Four Rs to Motivation Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. Chapter 6: Expect More Honesty and Transparency: The Markers of Effective Assessment Give Students a Chance to Grow Techniques That Promote Student Growth Be a Warm Demander Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. Chapter 7: Build Important Relationships Find What is Fascinating Be Intentional We Don't Just Work with Students Connect with Resources Outside Your Classroom Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. Part III: Expert Novices Chapter 8: Become an Expert Novice Getting Better in Our Classrooms Getting Better in Others' Classrooms Getting Better Beyond the Classroom Becoming Expert Novices The Expert Novice Opportunity Reflect. Risk. Revise or Reject. References