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Voices from the Field: Conversations with Mentors and New Teachers
Voices from the Field, by Virginia Tang, provides 25 classroom-based vignettes that can be used to stimulate productive discussion about a broad range of classroom issues that face the new teacher. These vignettes, that portray elementary, middle, and high school scenarios, present real dilemmas that can be the jumping off point for conversations about classroom management, instructional strategies, relationships with families, professional responsibilities, and accessing resources.
Each section of the book starts with activators that can help to launch analysis of the vignettes and ends with guiding questions that are designed to facilitate discussion. A brief commentary at the end of each section provides generally accepted "best practices," strategies for mentors to consider as they guide their new teachers, and referrals to resources that will be useful to new and veteran teachers as they reflect on their practice.
What People are saying about Voices from the Field:
"It's crucial that when we hire new teachers, we provide them with the support and guidance to grow as professional educators. Virginia Tang's Voices from the Field: Conversations with Mentors and Beginning Teachers provides realistic talking-points for new teachers and their mentors that are sure to encourage important conversations about the decisions teachers face daily in the classroom and school community."
— Cheryl Maloney
Superintendent, Weston Public Schools
Weston, MA
"We’ve all heard the startling research that nearly half of all new teachers leave their jobs within their first five years. As a superintendent, I know firsthand that when beginning teachers receive strong mentoring as part of a comprehensive induction program, they are much more likely to experience success in the classroom and to stay in the field. Voices from the Field is an indispensable resource for district mentors and administrators. The practical ideas and the rich cases for discussion are just what districts need to support them in achieving the vitally important goal of nurturing and growing the next generation of teachers."
—Diana Rigby
Superintendent, Concord Public Schools and
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Concord, MA
"Helping new teachers negotiate classroom management and new curriculum they're just learning to teach is no easy task. Voices from the Field helps open an essential dialogue between beginning teachers and those with experience in the classroom. It provides a good-humored and realistic perspective for viewing the challenges faced by new teachers. Tucked inside are self-reflective exercises that lay the foundation for beginning the important conversations about strengthening curriculum and instruction, developing strong relationships with colleagues, and getting to know students and parents. This is an invaluable resource for every school that hires a new teacher!"
— Laura Rogers
Founder, Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School
Devens, MA
