What Great Teachers Do Differently: Fourteen Things That Matter Most

Rating:
Summary: Terrible Book
Review: This is an abbreviated version of my original review of the book, What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker, which is roughly ten pages long and written in late June of 2004. The book was read over the course on an evening and the review was written and edited over a period of days. In an effort to be fair to the author and the book, it was reread in late August, as was the original review. The original review, available upon request, is an honest, detailed, and analytical assessment of the book and its significant shortcomings and flaws.

I found the book neither thought provoking, reaffirming, nor interesting. As a professional educator and life-long learner, I found no serious problems with the author's overarching message. Teachers are the ultimate variable in the classroom and are directly responsible for the success or failures of their students. This is reflected in how I approach students in my classroom. In daily actions, I believe it is evident that I attribute the success of my students to their hard work and the failures of my students to my shortcomings in instruction. I wholeheartedly agree with the book in this area.

Beyond the basic message of the book, I found it dull and uninteresting. The author's observations were shallow and rather basic. Nothing was intellectually challenging or profound. Unlike The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene or Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, the book didn't force self-reflection by challenging any basic and sometimes long-held assumptions. Unlike the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the book did not ask questions that forced an examination of instructional practices. It was easily read and easily forgotten.

Unfortunately, the book was not reaffirming either. It would seem to be a safe bet to say that if a book does not force self-reflection then it can be reaffirming. Sadly the book was so poorly constructed and poorly written that the author sabotages his own efforts and his own credibility. At times I was offended by the blatantly contrived and fallacious arguments. At times, the author makes such loose claims that one wonders if he truly has a PhD in education. For example, why is it paradoxical for a student's misbehavior to be for attention? The book's major flaws were discussed in detail in the original journal. While it is understandable for there to be an occasional flaw in a book, the number of flaws in this short book, only 126 pages, seriously undermines the credibility of the author.

Many times while reading the book I felt as if the author wrote the book simply to pad his bank account (especially when I saw the order form in the back of the book) than out of some desire to help improve education. I wish I could say that I read this book and gained insight to my profession and myself. I wish I could say I read this book and felt as if I was in the right profession because my professional mores were reaffirmed. I wish I could say that I read this book and felt I could be a better teacher. I can't. I read this book and felt the author had negatively contributed to his field and was angered that such a pusillanimous effort would be marketed towards helping teachers improve their practices.


Rating:
Summary: why bother?
Review: I find Dr Whitaker's work repetitive. I find him insulting to teachers and far too binary in his construction of good and bad teaching. Although there are some truths in this book, there is nothing that's not really common sense. And he doesn't push us to really question what it might mean to treat every student with respect and dignity. It's not a BAD book so much as not really worth your time.

Rating:
Summary: For time-stressed student teachers
Review: In What Great Teachers Do Differently: 14 Things That Matter Most, education expert Todd Whitaker informatively describes the diverse beliefs, various behaviors, spectrum of attitudes, and varieties of interactions that combine to form the fabric of life in the very best of our classrooms and schools. The focuses is upon those specific things that consistently successful classroom teachers do that their less successful colleagues do not. A specialist in the areas of staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness, Professor Whitaker (Indian State University) writes with an easy accessibility that will be greatly appreciated by time-stressed student teachers and practicing classroom instructors. Of special note is the distillation in the final section showcasing a listing of the fourteen things that matter most in providing successful instruction within the context of any private or public school classroom, preschool through graduate school.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Have Book
Review: Outstanding! This is a must have book for educators. Principals and teachers should have this book as part of their professional development library. Dr. Whitaker's book is insightful yet practical. Our Executive State Director asked principals for suggested books to use with faculty. It was one of the most suggested books to use in a book study. My superintendent read the book and loved it. In fact she offered to buy it for every teacher in our school district of over 1,500 teachers. We bought the book for every one of our teachers and assistants at our school. The entire faculty thought the book was excellent. We were able to have meaningful discussions using this book. Our school has noticed a change in our staff since school started this year. Discipline problems are down. Positive teacher relationships with parents and students are better. Todd Whitaker's book made us think how to improve our relationships with parents and students. I am currently a principal and adjunct professor in educational leadership. What Great Teachers Do Differently is a great source. We refer to this book frequently. Beginning teachers, veteran teachers, beginning principals, and veteran principals will find this book as an excellent source. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A Treasure for ANY Teacher
Review: This is an amazing book loaded with useful techniques from which ANY teacher will benefit. Teachers want PRACTICAL, and this book is definitely practical. Easy to read and easy to implement. Well done!

A. Breaux

Rating:
Summary: Order a Whitaker Book Now!
Review: What Great Teachers Do Differently is a quick read that left me MOTIVATED! I loved the fact that Dr. Whitaker focused on what GREAT teachers do . . .and other teachers do not. This book clearly reminds us that it is the PEOPLE, not the programs that will improve our student learning and solve our problems. I have read a few other titles by Dr. Whitaker and have never been disappointed--I can hardly wait for the Annual ASCD Conference in April--I managed to get a ticket to Dr. Whitaker's session! Buy the book--it is one you'll keep and read again.

Rating:
Summary: What a Treat!
Review: Wow! After How to Deal with Difficult Teachers, I didn't think it could get better. Dr. Whitaker turned out a tremendous treat with What Great Teachers Do Differently! It is a great book loaded with practical, easy to read ideas. Exactly what teachers need today!