What Great Teachers Do Differently: 17 Things That Matter Most 2nd Edition 2nd Edition

Love love, love this book. This was part of a Professional Development course I took this summer and it was fantastic. I actually do many of the things the author suggests, but I did learn a great deal about myself and what it takes to be a "great teacher." It is very well written and easy to read. I finished the book in a matter of days (despite having a month to complete it). I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to reinvent themselves and teach how we are intended to do so. Focusing on what REALLY matters.

I purchased the Kindle version - which has worked out great. Whitaker presents what he has observed to be the best examples of successful teachers. Many of the chapters focus on what is generally common sense, but as Whitaker explains are either overlooked or not practiced by less effective teachers. I think this common sense approach may be what another reviewer is referring to when they felt there was a tone of condescension. For example, he argues that while many teachers give lip service to running a student-based, their teaching styles are decidedly not student-based. He also argues for teachers to be more proactive, positive, and self-accountability. This book is short, clear and to the point, and very easy to read.

I was told to get this book for my certification course. I've taught for 35 years and found most of what he said was intuitive. I guess it would be a good book for new teachers, but I can't help thinking that what he points out as important to be a truly successful teacher are things that you were either brought up with or not, and rather difficult to just put on, like a jacket, when one is teaching.

I've been teaching for six years and was starting to wonder what I could do better. This book is very beneficial. The chapters are short and easy to read. He does a great job of staying on topic. He tells you both the good and the bad that he has done in his career. I have recommended it to seasoned teachers and bought it for a new graduate.

This book is written by someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of children. Todd Whitaker helps pave the way in understanding what great teachers do. It has helps me realize areas that I need to work on. As well as makes me realize that I am a great teacher. I became a teacher to help teach children how to be better people for themselves, not for a paycheck or my own reward. This book reaffirms why I chose to be a teacher!

Purchased this book for a college course I’m taking this fall. I decided to get ahead of the game & read it over the summer. I think everyone in education, not just teachers, should read this book. 📖 Such a great read! Will be keeping this for my personal library & future reference. 💚

I ordered this for my student teacher as a gift before she headed out to get her own classroom. Good practical advice, simple format and message. I had the other teachers in our building write their own words of encouragement in the book so that the student teacher had a personal touch.

For a reminder of simple rules, the book is fine. But if you have any experience, it doesn’t teach or explain anything new or mind-blowing.