Author: Sharon F. Rallis

Publisher: Corwin

Published: 1995-08-16

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13:

This inspiring book examines the emerging roles of teachers whose classrooms reflect a rapidly changing society. The authors describe the qualities teachers need in order to adapt and become more successful in the classroom. They must be content and pedagogical experts in creating constructivist classrooms; see themselves as professionals making a commitment to professional behaviors; facilitate conditions for student learning; challenge students' thinking through appropriate questioning strategies; extend the classroom into the community and bring the community into the classroom; and become a change agent, advocating for school reform within the school, in the community, and in the seats of government. All teachers are capable of expanding their skills in order to achieve these goals, the authors contend, regardless of community support, financial resources, or preparation and training. Using information gathered from careful studies of working teachers, they provide a portrait of an emerging "dynamic teacher", illustrating how these educators differ from their colleagues. They highlight the reasons why such differences are essential to the success of schooling in the future and offer concrete suggestions for how practicing teachers can begin their own journey to becoming a "dynamic teacher".