Building the English Classroom: Foundations, Support, Success

Recently retired, Penniman taught high school English for 36 years in Amherst; in 1999 he was Massachusetts Teacher of the Year and a National Teacher of the Year finalist. He offers fellow secondary English teachers a variety of ideas and strategies for managing the myriad responsibilities they face each day and feeling greater satisfaction with the results of their efforts. The text could be used for both individual reading and for English department or study group meetings. Ten chapters address the "big picture" topics of organizing an effective English classroom, such as long-term planning, and designing a writing program, literature curriculum, and assessment system; instructional strategies for each of the major components, including writing, literature, media and technology, and basic skills; incorporating diversity and multiculturalism; incorporating individual accommodations into the structure of the class; and opportunities for professional growth. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)