In a no-holds-barred, candid delivery, this book drives directly to the core of what makes an extraordinary teacher, and presents an honest appraisal of why some teachers fail.

1 Introduction: The Truth May Drive You Insane... 2 Pinch Out a Little Gratitude; You're a Teacher, Man!... 3 Prefer Professionalism... 4 Emote Passion For What You Teach... 5 Stay Off Your Tush... 6 Spotlight Reality: If It Doesn't Matter, Don't Teach It... 7 Entertain An Acting Requirement... 8 Internalize Affection For the Kids; Love 'Em Up!... 9 Strive To be (Gulp!) Fair... 10 Communicate With Even the Ugly Parents... 11 Immerse Yourself in the Extra, Without Going Under... 12 Breathe, Pace, Chill... 13 Nourish Thyself: Keep Stuffing Your Face... 14 Connect With Comrads-in-Arms... 15 Enroll Yourself Back in (Yikes!) School... 16 Plan According to Specifications: Your Own... 17 Strategize Under a Core Umbrella... 18 Observe-and Then Take It With a Grain of Salt... 19 Cultivate a Sense of Humor... 20 Learn a Foreign language... 21 Juice Up Your Personal Life... 22 FINALLY: Hey, Mr. G., When Are You Gonna' Retire?... 23 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 24 BIBLIOGRAPHY