This unique resource is packed with innovative, tested strategies, timesavers, and problem-solvers to help K-8 music teachers in virtually every aspect of their work - from lesson planning and general music instruction, to classroom management and discipline. Written in a highly readable style, with light-hearted illustrations throughout, the GUIDE identifies the specific skills and behaviors associated with teaching and learning each of the specialized areas of music.

From preparing for the very first lesson to mastering fiendish fingering and performance anxiety, this inspirational guide helps teachers nurture and support students at every level and develop a love of the piano. With musical communication at its heart, The Piano Teacher's Survival Guide tackles universal issues and common frustrations faced by all pianists as well as improving and developing teaching skills and piano technique.

Addressing the issue of teacher retention, this practical guide is full of real-life strategies and suggestions for coping with the challenges facing teachers today. An excellent resource for beginning teachers, it includes chapters on classroom management, relationships with colleagues and students, setting goals, curriculum, training, working with parents and the community, and the importance of staying musical.

This second volume, the follow-on to Teaching Music in the Urban Classroom, Volume 1: A Guide to Survival, Success, and Reform, extends the conversation to include educational leadership, teacher education, partnerships, and school reform. As with Volume 1, classroom music teachers, inner city arts administrators, well-known academics, and policy-makers from across the United States and Canada join together to offer a full range of political, philosophical, and practical approaches to reaching kids in urban schools. These authors, whose voices are distinct and yet united, guide music educators at every level, motivating them to challenge tired assumptions, reconsider the issues, and transform their classrooms and their students. See also: Teaching Music in the Urban Classroom, Volume 1 ORDER BOTH VOLUMES 1 & 2 NOW AND SAVE 1-57886-545-X $65.00 paper set / 1-57886-544-1 $130.00 cloth set

The Band Director's Guide to Success is the ideal guide for preparing future band directors for the practical challenges and obstacles that they will face in the introductory years of their teaching careers. Written in an easy to understand, quick-reference guide format, this book is designed to be easily navigated as a series of case studies arranged by topic in concise, user-friendly chapters ranging from budgeting to classroom management to conflict resolution and beyond. This manual and career guide in one may be used as a supplemental text with suggestions and practical advice to spare new music teachers from many of the initial headaches and stress that often accompany the transition into the full-time teaching profession.

The best-selling First Year Teacher's Survival Kit gives new teachers a wide variety of tested strategies, activities, and tools for creating a positive and dynamic learning environment while meeting the challenges of each school day. Packed with valuable tips, the book helps new teachers with everything from becoming effective team players and connecting with students to handling behavior problems and working within diverse classrooms. The new edition is fully revised and updated to cover changes in the K-12 classroom over the past five years. Updates to the second edition include: • New ways teachers can meet the professional development requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act • Entirely new section on helping struggling readers, to address the declining literacy rate among today’s students • Expanded coverage of helpful technology solutions for the classroom • Expanded information on teaching English Language Learners • Greater coverage of the issues/challenges facing elementary teachers • More emphasis on how to reach and teach students of poverty • Updated study techniques that have proven successful with at-risk students • Tips on working effectively within a non-traditional school year schedule • The latest strategies for using graphic organizers • More emphasis on setting goals to help students to succeed • More information on intervening with students who are capable but choose not to work • Updated information on teachers’ rights and responsibilities regarding discipline issues • Fully revised Resources appendix including the latest educational Web sites and software