Everything But Teaching

Learn the 7 Imperatives for managing the "other" work of a teacher! This accessible resource gives all teachers indispensable tips for managing professional priorities outside the classroom and saving energy for the most essential part of their work: teaching students. Real-life vignettes, planning sheets, and other templates illustrate how to master the multitasking demands of the teaching life, including:
Planning time wisely Tailoring grading practices to provide clear feedback Holding productive meetings with students, parents, or colleagues Keeping and using records effectively Corresponding with grace, tact, and detail Processing information and refining procedures Embracing new professional learning opportunities

A teacher since 1999, Stephen J. Valentine is currently the Assistant Head of the Upper School at Montclair Kimberley Academy in New Jersey. Valentine oversees curriculum, supervises a team of Department chairs, and advises students while he teaches a variety of English courses. Valentine has recently published educational articles in Independent School and Independent Teacher magazines, and his poetry has been previously published in Hotel Amerika, Broken Bridge Review, and the anthology Red White and Blues: Poets on the Promise of America (2004, University of Iowa Press). His first documentary film, Somebody Loves Me: The Life and Music of Prentis Richardson, won Best Documentary at the Nolita Film Festival in New York City and a Director's Choice award at the Park City Film Music Festival. Stephen's educational honors include: a summer Klingenstein Fellowship and a finalist award in Education and Technology magazine's "Ed Tech Leader of the Year" contest.

Foreword by Pearl Rock Kane
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction: School Time Versus Classroom Time
1. Imperative 1: Plan Your Time Wisely
Your Calendar
Your Dynamic Calendar
Your Goals and How to Accomplish Them
Now You Can Relax
2. Imperative 2: Tailor Your Grading to Suit the Needs of Your Students
Three Cautionary Tales
A Few Final Words
3. Imperative 3: Hold Great Meetings Founded on Authentic Commitment
Why Meet?
Student Meetings (Part 1)
The Systematic Approach
Student Meetings (Part 2)
Parent Meetings
Meetings Led by Others
Distractions During Meetings
4. Imperative 4: Use Records to Generate Learning Opportunities
The Evergreen System
How to Store and Use Records
When to Purge Records
Record Keeping and Deliberate Choice
5. Imperative 5: Correspond With Grace, Tact, and Detail
The First Principle of Teacher Correspondence: Be Supportive and Graceful
The Second Principle of Teacher Correspondence: Get Specific
Correspond With Colleagues
When to Stop Writing
6. Imperative 6: Process or Perish
What Is Processing?
When and How to Process?
7. Imperative 7: Become a Radical Learner
Learning From Mentors and Collaboration
Learning at Retreats
Learning From Meetings Outside of the School
Learning From New School Responsibilities
Learning by Leading Groups and School Activities
Learning From New Experiences
8. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Balanced Professional Life
References
Index