Teachers deal with change on a regular basis, but there are some principles at the core of teaching that remain constant and that have the biggest impact on student achievement. In this inspiring book from Danny Steele, creator of the popular Steele Thoughts blog, and Todd Whitaker, bestselling author and speaker, you’ll learn how to focus on the most important things in the classroom, not just the "current" things. The authors reveal essential truths that will make you a more effective educator in areas such as student relationships, classroom management, and classroom culture. The strategies are presented in digestible chunks, perfect for book studies, in-service sessions, mentorship meetings, and other learning formats. With the inspiring anecdotes and insights in this book, you’ll be reminded of your greater purpose – making a difference in students’ lives.
Meet the Authors
Preface
Essential Truths
Continue the Conversation
Biography
Danny Steele (@steelethoughts) is a principal from Birmingham, Alabama and has worked in public education for over 25 years. In 2016, he was named Alabama’s Secondary Principal of the Year. He has presented at numerous state and national conferences, and he serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Montevallo. Danny writes an educational leadership blog that has received over 5 million page views.
Todd Whitaker (@toddwhitaker) is a professor of educational leadership at the University of Missouri. He is a leading presenter in the field of education and has written more than 50 books including the national bestsellers What Great Teachers Do Differently and Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher, co-written with Madeline Whitaker and Katherine Whitaker.
"Dr. Danny Steele and Dr. Todd Whitaker remind us of what matters most in education: to influence and improve the lives of students. Educators will treasure Essential Truths for Teachers, as it grounds us in the true essence of teaching so that we can leave a legacy in the hearts of all our students. Through authentic experiences, Drs. Steele and Whitaker connect personally with educators and remind us that we all have the potential to make a substantial impact on the lives of students. This book is one to return to, time-and-time again, for continued inspiration that we can spread amongst all colleagues." — Elisabeth Bostwick, Fourth Grade Teacher at Gardner Road Elementary, Horseheads Central School District
"It is so easy to get distracted by what is urgent while allowing the things that are the most important to be placed to the side. Essential Truths for Teachers has to be a daily read for teachers who hope to be continually guided by essential truths that matter most." –Tom Loud, Program Director, Preferred Flex Academy, TN
"Danny Steele and Todd Whitaker are common-sense voices in education that we all keep coming back to time and again for inspiration and validation that that our work is both important and challenging. For first-year teachers as well as veteran educators, the complexity of our work and all the broken promises of quick fixes can become frustrating and overwhelming. This book promises to ground us in our ‘why,’ and—amidst so much noise—reminds us of the real work that is at the core of our craft." – Amy Fast, Assistant Principal, McMinnville High School, OR
"A gift! Essential Truths for Teachers is exactly that. Bite-size-thought-provokers and affirmations of what it means to be an educator. It's a gift to anyone who embraces what our students need and it's for those who got into education ... to make a difference." — LaVonna Roth, Founder and Lead Illuminator of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.®
"Danny Steele and Todd Whitaker speak directly to the hearts, minds, and souls of educators who love what they do, are passionate about why they do it, and are committed to doing it better every day. They combine their empowering messages and stories to help inspire those who may be discouraged, empower those who are looking to find their voice, and embolden those who have taken the banner to positively change lives and impact futures as teachers. Todd Whitaker inspired me many years ago as a teacher and inspiring administrator, and Danny Steele burst on the Twitter scene a few years ago with his heartfelt messages that took the education world by storm, in a good way! Every educator needs to add this book to their personal libraries" — Dwight Carter, Effectiveness Coach at Dynamix
