Teacher, coach, and author Randy McCutcheon and Lindsey, who works in the California public school system, share their award-winning strategies for teaching and transforming at-risk students into academic and social success stories. Their approach is organized around what they believe to be five "truths" that, if properly applied, will assist all students in turning possibilities into realities; these truths, in turn, are presented in brief, easy-to-read and -follow steps that are complemented by testimonials from the authors' students, all inner-city children from at-risk backgrounds who went on to defy the odds and become successful adults. The practical, insightful, and realistic strategies are designed to assist students in becoming not only smarter but also more confident, curious, and motivated. This unique book demonstrates the impact that highly qualified teachers can have on a student's success. Highly recommended for all libraries and for all readers interested in learning effective teaching techniques. -- Walter J. Cegelka, St. Thomas University, Miami (
Library Journal )
Be the reason your students succeed
Do you remember that teacher who literally changed your life? Most likely, it wasn't the teacher who stood in front of the class and lectured every day, filling your little head with information. In fact, you probably can't even remember specifically what you learned in the class, only that you had some sort of awakening. As coauthor Tommie Lindsay points out, a great teacher doesn't merely provide knowledge but rather "takes away the barriers to learning."
It Doesn't Take a Genius will help you become that teacher. Written by two nationally acclaimed educators, this inspirational collection of real-life lessons takes you past the long hours, low pay, and school politics that come to dominate the job and provides a refreshing reminder of why you entered the profession in the first place: to change lives for the better. It Doesn't Take a Genius will also help parents identify and break through that seemingly invisible barrier preventing their kids from reaching their highest potential.
Tommie Lindsey and Randall McCutcheon have divided their book into five sections, each focusing on a single "truth" they believe will motivate students and forge them into individuals who want to be engaged in their education and the outside world.
These five "truths" will aid you in being the model all kids need and deserve--regardless of their background. The authors' ideas, presented in short, easy-to-digest articles, are complemented with first-hand success stories written by former students who defied the odds, including inner-city kids with at-risk backgrounds.
Every student has a purpose in this world, and it's one of life's great gifts to help him or her find it. Practical and insightful, It Doesn't Take a Genius arms you with realistic strategies to create students who will go out into the world not only smarter but--more important--motivated, confident, and curious.
Learn how to become the teacher you always wanted to be and to help your students realize their potential
Each and every student is fertile ground for learning, even those who seem bored, distracted, or even bitter. All they need is care and attention. Whether you are a struggling teacher or frustrated parent, It Doesn't Take a Genius helps you foster success in even the most apathetic of students.
The authors, who hold numerous teaching awards, share their secrets of turning kids from all walks of life into successful students who go on to lead fulfilling, productive lives in adulthood. It Doesn't Take a Genius is organized into five universal "truths" behind making great possibilities come true. Accompanying the authors' inspiring ideas are first-hand accounts from their former students describing how they turned their lives around to become successful lawyers, playwrights, professors, and more.
Written with affection and sincerity--and featuring cartoons by acclaimed cartoonist Sidney Harris--It Doesn't Take a Genius is a refreshing response to detached behavioral theory, dry teaching manuals, and negative media stories concerning teachers and our education system. It provides the tools you need to help students unlock their enormous potential. Best of all, you'll come away with the very real but often forgotten fact that the desire to build students into curious, caring members of society isn't a pipe dream. It's a calling.
