Overview

This book serves two functions. First, it is partly a memoir of my 42 years as a high school science teacher. In this book, you will find me ""speaking from the heart,"" as I share the joys, challenges, blood, sweat, tears, heartaches, rewards, and funny (as well as not so funny) stories from my forty-two-year career in the classroom. It's gratifying for me, and I've been surprised to discover how young teachers have found my ""teacher tales"" to be helpful as they embark on their own professional journeys. The lessons that I learned over those 42 years will inspire and encourage teachers and administrators of all grade levels and subject areas. Secondly, this book is partly an instruction manual for new and veteran teachers as it is filled with tips and techniques for teachers. My hope is that new and veteran teachers alike will discover a wealth of ready to implement, practical, nontraditional, uncommon, tried and tested tips and tricks within these pages; techniques that I wish I had known when I first started out as a young, novice teacher in the fall of 1978. Among the many lessons shared in this book, I'll describe how transitioning from a teacher-centered classroom to a student-centered classroom enhanced both the enjoyment and effectiveness of the learning experience for me and my students, because it freed me up to not only teach, but to coach, mentor, nurture, and inspire. I'll share how moving to a student-centered approach enabled me to not only teach my content, but to also engage my students in the six Cs: CHOICE, COLLABORATION, COMMUNICATION, CRITICAL THINKING, CREATIVITY, AND CARING. Many of the ideas shared in chapters 1 through 6 as well as the Conclusion, can be applied to any grade level or content area. Chapters 7 through 10 are specific to teaching biology courses and preparing students for science fair project work. Even teachers of grade levels or subjects other than high school biology will still find some good ideas in the later chapters, especially Chapter 7.

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9781667859873

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JOE RUHL, who taught high school science courses for forty-two years, has a passion for sharing teaching tips and motivational techniques with teachers of all grade levels through his keynote addresses and workshops. Teachers and administrators have found his presentations to be ""passionate, inspiring, and practical,"" encouraging educators to rethink the importance of relationships with students and colleagues. The National Association of Biology Teachers named Joe the Outstanding Biology Teacher of Indiana in 1987. In 1989, he was honored at the White House as Indiana's recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. In 1996, he received the Purdue University College of Science Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2012, he was honored with the Shell National Science Teaching Award, presented to one science teacher in the U.S., and in 2017, he was one of five U.S. teachers inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (another trip to the White House!) Joe and his wife Gail live just north of West Lafayette, Indiana. Being the parents of two children and four grandchildren, they have discovered that the best part of retirement is that it allows more flexibility for spending time with the kids, their spouses, and grandkids! To schedule a keynote address or workshop with Joe, check out joeruhlteacherpdspeaker.net.

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