First Class Teaching

The go-to book for new teachers who need practical strategies, not textbook theory

Are you a new teacher preparing to transition from college to the real-world classroom? First Class Teaching: 10 Lessons You Don't Learn in College will help you dodge the struggle and burnout that many new teachers face.

Let’s be real—many of the strategies you learned in school are unrealistic and ineffective in a classroom. When faced with this challenge, what do you do instead? Pick up this book to bridge the gap and familiarize yourself with ways to prepare for stepping foot into the classroom. You’ll find relatable stories that will make you feel less alone and equip you with simple and effective strategies that you can implement immediately to make your first few teaching years a whole lot easier.

When you read First Class Teaching, you’ll feel like you’re connecting with a “teacher best friend.” Skip the cliched advice and discover how you can ignite your enthusiasm for the classroom, , get students engaged, build relationships, deal with a lack of planning time, and more.

• Read relatable stories of real-life teacher who overcame burnout, poor student behaviors, difficult administration, and more.
• Learn strategies that you can implement right away to overcome the difficulties that often lead new teachers to burnout.
• Get excited about teaching with motivational insights and advice that’s more what is learned in college courses.
• Hit the ground running as a new teacher, thanks to these tried-and-true tips from experienced educator

Whether you’re overwhelmed as a recent college graduate in your first K-12 teaching job or a veteran K-12 teacher looking to rediscover your passion for the profession, First Class Teaching will give you novel ideas and strategies to implement in your .

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

Chapter 1: Practice What You Teach 9

Chapter 2: Don’t Be a Teacher of All Trades Be a Master of One 29

Chapter 3: Relationships Aren’t Built in a Day 53

Chapter 4: Pencil It in But Play It by Year 71

Chapter 5: What a Student Throws Up Must Come Down 91

Chapter 6: When Teaching Gives You Stress, Go to Recess 109

Chapter 7: You Can Be Saved by the Bells and Whistles 123

Chapter 8: A Classroom Isn’t Always Cleaner on the Other Side 139

Chapter 9: Don’t Get Your Stickers in a Twist 153

Chapter 10: You Can’t Have Your Apple and Eat It Too 167

About the Author 183

Index 185

MICHELLE EMERSON is a former public school teacher who now supports educators by providing professional development and resources. After a difficult first year of teaching, Michelle began sharing her journey as an educator through her YouTube channel, Pocketful of Primary. She has been featured as an educational expert on the Today show.

A relatable book for new teachers transitioning from college to the classroom

When you graduate from your teacher education program, you’re ready to teach, but are you ready to teach well? Many novice educators find that the real-world classroom doesn’t align with the picture that the textbooks from their education courses painted. And, oftentimes, reality presents more challenges than expected. First Class Teaching bridges the gap between college courses and classroom realities, giving you the encouragement and strategies needed to survive your first (or second or fifth) year teaching in K-12 and become an experienced teacher who makes it look easy.

You won’t find any cliché or impractical advice in this book. Veteran educator and professional development expert Michelle Emerson walks you through specific steps you can take to build your teaching capabilities and evolve as an educator. Thanks to First Class Teaching, you’ll be able to accelerate your career and grow professionally in areas like classroom management, student engagement, student relationships, and planning time. It’s true there’s no substitute for firsthand experience as you develop confidence in the classroom, but this book will certainly help.

"Some books offer inspiration; others inform with tactics and strategies a rare few do both. First Class Teaching is one of those rare books. With her witty personality, practical strategies, some humor thrown in the mix, and her you-can-do-this attitude, Michelle helps new teachers navigate the difficult waters of being a classroom teacher, learn how to balance it all and still have some energy left at the end of the school day. A must read for every new or aspiring teacher!"

- Anna DiGilio, M.Ed, Founder & CEO of Guided Readers and a 24-year veteran classroom teacher

"Michelle brings humor and relatability to the stressful job of a new teacher. Her encouraging lessons will help all teachers gain confidence and clarity in the not-so-ordinary experience that is teaching!"

- Susan Jones, owner of Susan Jones Teaching

"First Class Teaching leads to front row learning. This book has you defining, refining, and shining in your classroom. A thoughtful playbook to help any educator be more intentional with their students."

- Michael Matera, Teacher, Author, & Founder of EMC2Learning

"Michelle Emerson, an educator and leader, offers the necessary guidance to navigate the world of education in and outside of the classroom. Her relatability and easy to implement steps will have every teacher, new and veteran, feeling empowered to tackle the complexity of the profession."

- Bridget Spackman, The Lettered Classroom, Central Pennsylvania

"First Class Teaching is a breath of fresh air—not written by a self-proclaimed educational expert, but by ‘one of us.’ In candidly sharing her own classroom experience, Michelle Emerson validates the emotions and challenges that new teachers face, while providing the kinds of helpful tips that would have veteran teachers nodding in agreement."

- Shannon Olsen, Author of Our Class is a Family