Includes reproducible forms to help math teachers stay on top of everything they need to do
Table of Contents
About This Book v
The Authors vii
Acknowledgments ix
Section One: Embracing the Profession of Teacher of Mathematics 1
Traits of Great Math Teachers 1
Meeting State Standards and District Math Goals 3
School Policies and Procedures You Need to Know 4
Professionalism and Common Sense 7
Professionalism Outside the Classroom 9
Maintaining Your Professional Expertise 9
Quick Review for Embracing the Profession of Teacher of Mathematics 12
Section Two: Before the First Day 15
Starting the Year Early 15
Things to Do Before School Starts (Reproducible) 17
Greeting Administrators, Colleagues, and Support Staff 18
Getting a Head Start on Paperwork 18
Your Schedule and Class Lists 19
Seating Charts 20
Seating Chart Grid (Reproducible) 21
Seating Options 22
Setting Up Your Classroom 23
Arranging Furniture to Enhance Math Learning 23
Checking Equipment 23
Checking Materials and Supplies 24
Hall Passes (Reproducible) 26
Classroom Sign-Out Sheet (Reproducible) 27
Decorating Your Room 28
Preparing for the First Day 29
Setting Goals 29
Rules and Requirements of Your Classes 29
Rules and Requirements of Ms Smith’s Algebra I Class 31
Activities for the First Day 33
Making Copies Before the Copy Machine Crunch 33
Being Connected: Checking Communications Systems 34
Especially for the First-Year Math Teacher 35
Learning the Layout of Your School 35
The Value of Orientation 36
Reviewing Handbooks 37
Finding a Mentor 37
Quick Review for Before the First Day 38
Section Three: The Math Teacher’s Tools of the Trade 41
Basic Supplies, Materials, and Equipment 41
Common Math Manipulatives 42
Sources for Math Materials and Manipulatives 45
Technology 46
Calculators 46
Computers 47
Interactive Whiteboards 49
Resources on the Internet 50
Sources of Supplementary Teaching Materials 53
Quick Review for the Math Teacher’s Tools of the Trade 54
Section Four: Becoming a Valued Member of the Staff 55
Working Effectively with Others 56
The Chain of Command in Your School 56
Working with Other Teachers 57
Working with Para-Educators 58
Working with Support Staff 59
Committees and Teamwork 59
The Roles People Play in Committees 60
Working Together in Sharing 62
Getting Along with Others in Your School 63
Evaluations for Math Teachers 65
How Not to Be Nervous During an Observation 66
Preparing for an Observation 67
An Evaluation Checklist 67
The Pre-Observation Conference 69
The Observation 69
The Post-Observation Conference70
The End-of-the-Year Evaluation 70
Becoming a Mentor for New Math Teachers 70
Responsibilities of a Mentor 71
Responsibilities of a Mentee 72
After School and Beyond 73
Providing After-School Math Help 73
Extracurricular Activities 75
Quick Review for Becoming a Valued Member of the Staff 75
Section Five: Organizing for Success 77
Your Master Schedule for Organization 77
The Value of an All-Purpose Binder 79
Practical Routines 79
Daily Reminders (Reproducible) 81
How to Avoid Letting the ‘‘Little Things’’ Pile Up 83
Organizing Your Classroom 84
Special Organizational Considerations When Sharing a Classroom 85
Record of Used Supplies or Malfunctioning Equipment (Reproducible) 87
Organizing Files 88
Your File Cabinet 88
Electronic Files 89
Necessary Information to Maintain 90
Managing Your Paper Load 92
Taking Control of Time 93
The Importance of Effective Substitute Plans 94
Sub Plans That Move Your Students Forward 94
The True Emergency Plan 94
Long-Term Absences 95
Essential Components of a Sub Plan for Your Math Class 95
Quick Review for Organizing for Success 96
Section Six: Planning a Great First Day 99
The First-Day Basics 99
If You Have a Homeroom 100
Record of Materials Returned by Students (Reproducible) 102
Double-Checking Materials and Supplies 104
Keys to Being Calm and Composed 104
Welcoming Students at the Classroom Door 105
Introducing Yourself 105
Getting Started 105
Providing an Overview of Your Math Class 106
Responsibilities of Math Students (Reproducible) 107
Learning About Your Students 109
Facts About You (Reproducible) 110
Name Cards 111
Circles of Me: A Getting-Acquainted Activity 111
Circles of Me (Reproducible) 113
Providing a Math Activity on the First Day 114
Number Puzzlers 114
Handing Out Texts, Workbooks, and Other Materials 115
Quick Review for Having a Great First Day 115
Section Seven: Managing Your Math Classroom 117
Establishing Efficient Classroom Routines 117
Taking Attendance 118
Dealing with Students Who Arrive Late to Class 118
Smoothly Handling Requests to Leave the Classroom 118
Distributing and Collecting Materials 119
Procedures for Student Computer Use 121
Computer Sign-Up Sheet (Reproducible) 122
Computer Etiquette (Reproducible) 124
Achieving a Smooth Flow of Classroom Traffic 125
Creating a Productive Math Class 126
Beginning Class with a Math Do-Now 127
Agendas or Assignment Pads 128
Classwork 128
Group Work 129
How to Work in a Math Group (Reproducible) 131
Homework 132
Math Journals 133
Math Journal Writing Prompts (Reproducible) 135
Math Notebooks 136
Tips for Keeping a Math Notebook (Reproducible) 137
Procedures for Making Up Missed Work 138
Math Makeup Work (Reproducible) 140
Procedures for Ending Class 141
Helping Your Students Learn to Follow Directions 142
Quick Review for Managing Your Classroom 143
Section Eight: Building a Positive Environment for Learning Math 145
The Physical Classroom 145
Setting a Tone of Respect and Courtesy 147
Respect and Courtesy Guidelines (Reproducible) 149
Preventing and Responding to Bullying 150
Creating a Positive Math Environment for Diverse Students 152
Gifted Math Students 152
Underachieving Students 154
Mainstreamed Special-Needs Students 155
Students with 504 Plans 158
Students with Attention Deficit Disorders 159
Students Who Are at Risk of Dropping Out of School 162
Economically Disadvantaged Students 164
Students Who Speak Little or No English 165
Avoiding Gender and Ethnic Bias in Math Class 167
Appreciating Cultural Diversity 168
Helping Students Overcome Math Anxiety 169
Steps to Beat Math Anxiety (Reproducible) 170
Quick Review for Building a Positive Environment for Learning Math 171
Section Nine: Interacting with Your Students 173
Maintaining a Professional Role with Your Students 173
Your Appearance 174
Your Language and Tone 174
Your Behavior 175
Avoiding Potential Trouble 176
Discretion and Your Personal Life 176
Getting to Know Your Students 177
Communication and Being a Good Listener 178
Tips for Positive Communication in Math Class (Reproducible) 180
Guiding Students to Become Successful Math Students 181
How to Become a Successful Math Student (Reproducible) 182
Helping Students Develop Math Study Skills 183
How to Improve Your Math Study Skills (Reproducible) 184
How to Read a Math Textbook 185
Guidelines for Reading Your Math Text (Reproducible) 186
How to Prepare for and Do Well on Math Tests 187
How to Prepare for Math Tests (Reproducible) 188
Math Test-Taking Tips (Reproducible) 190
How to Conduct Successful Math Conferences with Students 191
Preventing and Dealing with Disruptions 192
Helping Students Cope with the Pressures of Being a Student 194
Serious Problems Requiring Immediate Action 195
Quick Review for Interacting with Your Students 196
Section Ten: Designing Effective Math Lessons and Activities 199
Making Time for Planning 199
Planning a Variety of Math Lessons and Activities 200
The Foundation of Successful Math Lessons and Activities 201
State Math Standards 201
District and School Math Goals and Objectives 202
Curriculum 202
The Principles, Standards, and Focal Points of the NCTM 203
Objectives 203
Resources for Planning Math Lessons and Activities 204
Components of Effective Math Plans and Activities 205
Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners 205
Building on Prior Knowledge 207
Including Material for Critical Thinking in Your Math Plans 208
Incorporating Technology in Math Plans 209
Providing a Means for Assessment 210
Types of Math Plans 211
Basic Course of Study Planning Guide (Reproducible) 213
Unit Plans 215
Unit Plan Format (Reproducible) 217
Sample Unit Plan 220
Daily Lesson Plans 222
Daily Lesson Plan Format (Reproducible) 224
Sample Daily Lesson Plan 227
Overcoming Common Problems in Planning 229
Pacing 229
Pull-Out Programs 230
Lessons and Activities for Special Days 231
Adjusting Lesson Plans 232
Avoiding Planning Pitfalls 233
Incorporating Literature into Your Math Class 234
Elementary/Middle School 235
Middle School/High School 236
High School 237
Incorporating Writing into Your Math Class 238
The Writing Process (Reproducible) 240
Quick Review for Designing Effective Math Lessons and Activities 241
Section Eleven: Providing Effective Math Instruction 243
Being a Facilitator of Learning 243
Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners Through Instruction 244
Using Various Instructional Methods for Teaching 245
Fostering Problem-Solving Skills in Your Students 247
Steps for Solving Math Word Problems (Reproducible) 248
Motivating Your Students 249
Improving Your Instructional Delivery Skills 250
Speaking 250
Body Language 251
Using the Traditional Board, Overhead Projector, or Interactive Whiteboard 252
Handling Math Manipulatives Effectively 253
Using Technology with Expertise 254
Managing Interruptions and Getting Back on Task 257
Monitoring Learning During Instruction 259
Videotaping Your Delivery and Building Confidence 260
Quick Review for Providing Effective Math Instruction 261
Section Twelve: Evaluating the Progress of Your Students 263
Devising a Fair System of Grading 263
Ways to Assess Student Learning 264
Assessment Through Tests and Quizzes 265
Assessment Through Open-Ended Problems 266
Assessment Through Group Activities 267
Assessment Through Math Notebooks 268
Assessment Through Math Projects 269
Assessment Through Writing 270
Assessment Through Math Portfolios 270
Assessment Through Classwork 271
Assessment Through Homework 272
Preparing Your Students for Standardized Math Tests 273
Tips for Taking Standardized Math Tests (Reproducible) 275
Evaluating Assessment Results 276
Record Keeping 277
If Your Grades Are Challenged 279
Quick Review for Evaluating the Progress of Your Students 280
Section Thirteen: Managing Inappropriate Behavior 283
Addressing Inappropriate Behavior in Your Math Class 283
Involving Parents and Guardians in Addressing Inappropriate Behavior 286
Record of Parent-Guardian Contact (Reproducible) 288
The Value of Behavior Contracts 289
Sample Behavior Contract (Reproducible) 291
Involving Administrators in Addressing Inappropriate Behavior 292
The Major Incident Report 293
Major Incident Report Form (Reproducible) 294
Common Examples of Inappropriate Behavior and How to Handle Them 295
Habitual Lateness to Class 295
Inattentiveness 296
Incomplete Work 296
Repeatedly Requesting to Leave Class 297
Excessive Talking 297
Passing Notes 298
Sleeping During Class 298
Attention Seeking 299
Inappropriate Use of Technology 300
Cell Phone Use 300
Eating or Drinking in Class 301
Inappropriate Words and Comments 302
Defiance 302
Stealing 303
Cheating 303
Vandalism 304
Verbal Abuse 305
Violence 305
Quick Review for Managing Inappropriate Behavior 306
Section Fourteen: Working with Parents and Guardians 309
The Expectations of Parents and Guardians for Their Child’s Math Teacher 309
How to Make Parents and Guardians Partners in Math Education 310
How Parents and Guardians Can Help Their Children with Math 312
Guidelines for Helping Your Child with Math (Reproducible) 313
Preparing for and Conducting a Successful Back-to-School Night 314
Sample Back-to-School Night Information Sheet 316
Parent-Guardian Sign-In Sheet (Reproducible) 318
Conducting Successful Conferences with Parents and Guardians 319
Parent-Teacher Conference Log Sheet (Reproducible) 322
Dealing with Difficult Parents and Guardians 323
Working with Parents and Guardians Who Speak Limited English 324
Expanding Your Role as a Math Teacher 325
Quick Review for Working with Parents and Guardians 328
Section Fifteen: Keeping the Flame Burning 329
Causes and Symptoms of Teacher Burnout 329
Avoiding and Overcoming Teacher Burnout 331
Becoming the Most Effective Math Teacher You Can Be 333
Student Course Evaluation Form (Reproducible) 334
Quick Review for Keeping the Flame Burning 336
References and Suggested Reading 337
Index 341
