Not your typical how-to manual for new teachers, this jargon-free guide offers a wide variety of tools and tactics for getting through every school day with grace and sanity. Covered in glue, glitter, orange juice -- or worse? Make a quick change into the spare set of clothes you keep on hand for just this purpose. Butterflies in your stomach before your first-ever Meet the Teacher Night? Keep your cool by writing the agenda on your board -- it'll double as a crib sheet for you. These tips and hundreds more, covering virtually every aspect of teaching, have all been learned the hard way: from real-life classroom experience

[pt. 1.] Before the school year. 1. Making your classroom work for you : Room design and traffic patterns ; Teacher's desk ; Meeting area ; So many supplies and so little room ; Decorating ; Classroom library ; Manipulatives and other supplies ; Don't forget a padlock ; Your lesson plan book ; Stay comfortable: clothes and shoes ; Setting up for the year, not the moment --

2.

Learning your school's culture : Who you need to know: the big four ; Finding a mentor ; Day-to-day routines and rules ; Teaching and student assessment ; Getting to know the parents ; Responsibilities beyond the classroom ; A school where you fit, and that fits you --

3.

Setting up for a terrific year : The daily schedule ; Lesson plan ; Morning meeting ; Morning independent work ; Extra worksheets ; Organizing student work ; Student portfolios ; Homework ; Scrap paper bin ; Recycling paperwork ; File cabinet ; Pencils ; New student ; IEPs and special education ; Working with specialists ; You don't need to be a genius to use an interactive whiteboard ; Internet ; Prepare, learn, and teach -- [pt. 2.] During the school year. 4. Working with students : Cubbies or desks? ; Seat assignments ; Managing school supplies ; Is raising hands too old-fashioned? ; I can't get their attention! ; Transitions ; Class guidelines and tone ; Reward systems ; Consequences for misbehavior ; Community building ; Celebrate your students' work ; Teaching whole class, small groups, and one-on-one ; Getting your class into the world: tips for field trips ; Did you talk to all of your students today? ; When the rubber hits the road, be flexible --

5.

Working with your principal : Try to solve the problem on your own ; Principals need your help, too ; What principals can do for you ; Making friends with your boss -- [pt. 3.] Your students' families. 6. The parent-teacher relationship : What you want from parents ; What parents want from you ; What might make parents unhappy with you ; Methods of communication ; When is a phone call or meeting best? ; A mutually beneficial relationship --

7.

Communicating with families : The first day of school not home ; Weekly note home ; Parents, their child, social media, and your classroom ; Getting on the same page --

8.

When families come into the classroom : Encouraging involvement ; Classroom door: your parent visitation policy ; Smooth meet the teacher night ; Sharing bad news ; Getting yourself through the pile: report cards ; Parent-teacher conferences ; Your volunteer squad ; Befriending a parent: a good or bad idea? ; Working with parents is a big part of the job -- [pt. 4.] Your life as a teacher. 9. Managing the workload : Leave it at school! ; One week ahead: lesson planning ; Under the magnifying glass: how to have an awesome observation ; Curriculum and behavior ; Delegate: get help! ; Keep your perspective --

10.

Balancing your responsibilities : The jobs not included in your job description ; Positive influence: your exciting life ; Well-rested teacher vs. the exhausted teacher ; You're ready