Use this updated resource to prepare for your journey into teachingThis newly revised and updated 2nd edition of The First Years Matter provides key actions steps and a flexible twelve-month curriculum - including July for reflection and planning - to help you proactively prepare for your first few years in the classroom. Maximize your effectiveness in the classroom as you: Apply mentoring lessons to differentiate instructionIntegrate student voicePrepare for teacher observations and standardized testingGather evidence to document your progressThis updated version includes a robust companion website featuring videos, downloadable forms, and a journal for reflection.Use with Mentoring in Action, the companion guide for mentors!

Foreword: Peter M. DeWittPrefaceAcknowledgementsAbout the AuthorIntroductionPart I Beginning Your Journey Into TeachingThe Purpose of Induction and MentoringSustainable MentoringWhat is Mentoring in Action?Building a Relationship With Your MentorPurposeful Mentoring ConversationsPart II Month-by-Month Mentoring: Being Mentored in ActionWhy Do We Need a Mentoring Curriculum?A Month-by-Month Cycle for MentoringThe Transformation of a TeacherAugust Orientation to the School and Community: Resources and ValuesSeptember Beginning the School Year Successfully: Creating a Community of Learners in the ClassroomOctober Teaching For Understanding: Planning and Delivering Effective InstructionNovember Assessing Diverse Learners: How Do Teachers Know Students Have Learned?December Maintaining Balance: Teaching and Keeping the Students InterestedJanuary Beginning a New Calendar Year: Looking Back and Moving ForwardFebruary Engaging Students in the Curriculum: Focus on Content through Active InquiryMarch With Your Mentor: Building a Trusting RelationshipApril Standards: Creating Meaningful Standards-Based Learning Experiences for StudentsMay Assessing Students' Progress: High-Stakes Tests and Teacher AssessmentJune Completing the Year: Paperwork, Relationships, and Closing a RoomJuly Final Reflection and Planning For Next Year: Retreat, Reflect, Review