First Class Teaching: 10 Lessons You Don't Learn in College

I have taught for 9 years and bought the book because I am a huge fan of Michelle. I honestly thought this book wouldn't be anything "new" to teaching and I just wanted a keepsake. How wrong I was!! Michelle's words of wisdom and quirky stories kept me engaged the whole time. I got to look at my teaching styles through a new lens, with a ton of new strategies to take on for the new year. I feel like a new teacher all over again and I am so excited to start back to school with such a positive attitude. Every chapter was engaging, easy to implement, and relevant to every type of teacher no matter where in your journey you are. This is not only for first-year teachers but a true guide to first-class teaching. I not only learned new strategies but also walked away with a new way of thinking about how to tackle struggles that may come along the way. I highly recommend this book. You will not regret it! This is a must-have for any teacher, no matter if it is your first year or your twentieth!

I originally bought this book as a gift for my daughter who will begin teaching soon. I told her I would read it first because I enjoy all of Michelle’s Pocketful of Primary YouTube videos. Also, I teach fourth grade and wanted to be able to participate in the virtual book club this summer.Now that I have finished reading the book I realize I need a copy for myself! I love all of the real world examples and no nonsense teaching strategies.Here are some takeaways:1. Set boundaries - leave work at a reasonable hour to make teaching sustainable.2. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone with hands-on lab experiments if you want to fascinate your students with captivating science lessons.3. Identify your growth areas and work to strengthen them.4. Make kits to plan for things that will catch you off guard like a new student or a surprise birthday.5. Use food, costumes, and props to enhance lessons. Keep a list of these at hand to use when needed.You really must read Chapters 8, 9 and 10 yourself to get advice on comparison, balance and how to quit taking everything personally. I know I will reread these chapters before I pick up my class list in August.

Not being a new teacher this book was such a great reminder of bad habits that I fell into. I was worried this book wouldn't be so much for me because I've been teaching 10 years but honestly Michelle does such a wonderful time of reminding us what's important in teaching. Her book is very relatable. The situations are frequently hilarious. I would totally recommend this book to both new and veteran teachers!

I enjoyed reading this book so much. It is so important to share the struggles and own experiences with other teacher to feel we are not alone. I laughed, I cried and I had dreams about the experiences that came to my mind while reading the book.Marines!

The book is a quick read, but very relatable. It allows teachers/educators to reflect on the journey of being in education regardless of the years in the profession. This book is not just for new teacher but for ALL teachers who want to gain wisdom and knowledge on handling educational circumstances. The tittle, First Class Teaching: 10 lessons You don't learn in college is TRUTH, especially the emphasis on "YOU DON'T LEARN IN COLLEGE". I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering becoming a teacher or is a current teacher!

I thoroughly enjoyed this thought provoking book. It is “chalk” full of (yes, pun intended) hilarious anecdotes, professional tips, and a well organized, easy to follow plan for getting into the right mindset for successful teaching. Completely loved it, and definitely recommend!

I cannot stress enough how helpful this book has been for me going into my first year of teaching. There are often expectations of new teacher sets for themselves based on what is taught in college or what is seen on TeacherTok or other forms of social media. Michelle's book, First Class Teaching: 10 Lessons You Don't Learn in College, is a refreshing and honest book about the ups, downs, backwards, and sideways that can come with teaching. Out of all of the PD books I've read so far, to me, this felt the most like talking to a trusted mentor teacher, Righstart advisor, etc. It felt real. It felt authentic. And most of all, it felt sincere. I'm walking away with so many takeaways for my first year of teaching including setting healthy work/life boundaries, learning to embrace the chaos every once in a while, and prioritizing relationship-building with students. I cannot recommend this book enough and I will forever be singing its praises!

This book is perfect insight for up and coming and soon to be teachers! The author gives great lessons to think about using her personal experience. My personal favorite part of this book is the "your homework" section after each lesson (chapter). It's always important to reflect and become a better teacher or person! Very proud of this book. It is definitely first class teaching!!