The English Teacher's Companion: A Complete Guide to Classroom, Curriculum, and the Profession [Paperback]

Jim Burke (Author), Fran Claggett (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0867094753 | ISBN-13: 978-0867094756 | Publication Date: February 2, 1999

"Sometimes, English asks us to juggle so much so fast that teachers wonder how they can possibly do it all, let alone do it well". Jim Burke shows us how with this guide to teaching the entire English curriculum - covering everything from basic reading and writing to digital literacy, media literacy and integrated instruction. Written for the way most teachers read - on the run, in search of a particular solution - this guide is structured for ease of use. Chapters are subdivided; lessons are presented step-by-step; and assessment is integrated throughout. Features include: thorough grounding in the current national English Language Arts standards; virtual companion website to provide additional resources and ongoing support for classroom teachers; examples of how to integrate technology into the curriculum; up-to-the-minute coverage of current and anticipated reforms, including media literacy, digital literacy, service learning, AP classes, and more; and an extensive appendix, featuring sample letters, rubrics, guides, checklists, planners and much more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jim Burke is the author of the Heinemann title What's the Big Idea? The question he's always tried to answer is "How can we teach our students better?" He began this search in his own classroom at Burlingame High School in California, where he still teaches. He shares his experiences there in bestselling professional titles with Heinemann such as The English Teacher's Companion; Reading Reminders; and Writing Reminders as well as through Heinemann Professional Development Services. Looking to his peers for still more answers, he founded the English Companion Ning, described by Education Week as "the world's largest English department." Jim continues to find and support best practices in many other ways, including serving on national commissions related to adolescent literacy and standards, such as the Advanced Placement English Literature and Language Course and Exam Review Commission with the College Board, and by being a senior author on the Holt McDougal Harcourt Literature series. Jim has received numerous awards, including the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award, the NCTE Conference on English Leadership Award, and the California Reading Association Hall of Fame Award. He served on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Committee on Adolescence and Young Adulthood English Language Arts Standards and recently worked with ACT on their high school English Language Arts standards. In 2007, he participated in the national Adolescent Literacy Coalition roundtable and worked with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Visit his website (www.englishcompanion.com) for more information. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: Boynton/Cook (February 2, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867094753
• ISBN-13: 978-0867094756
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,256,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Every English Teacher, September 9, 2000

By 

"formerusher" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The English Teacher's Companion: A Complete Guide to Classroom, Curriculum, and the Profession (Paperback)

I just started my 25th year of teaching and I am always on the lookout for new, fresh ideas. That's exactly what I got in Jim Burke's book. You can tell a teacher wrote it because it is designed to be read a few pages at a time in the teachers' lounge over a cup of coffee. I carry it in my briefcase and pull it out when I'm waiting for the kids at the dentist, during commercials of Indianapolis Colts football games, and waiting in the school parking lot for my daughter after volleyball practice. I've also contacted Jim on several occasions about teaching issues and he is extremely helpful and incredibly responsive. I'm not quite sure how he does all he does. If you are a first year teacher, buy this book. If you're approaching the end of your career, buy this book. If you're somewhere in between, buy this book.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Hesitate to Buy This Book, May 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The English Teacher's Companion: A Complete Guide to Classroom, Curriculum, and the Profession (Paperback)

In a world of disappointing texts on the nuts and bolts of teaching - Jim Burke's book delivers. I'm a new teacher, and I was given this book by a veteran teacher who considered it the English teacher's bible. She was not far off. I can't recommend this book highly enough as a complete resource for all teachers new and seasoned. With everything from structuring curriculum to bibliographies for further reading, I can't have asked for a better prep as I enter the world of teaching. I am infinitely grateful to Mr. Burke for his hard work in producing this magnum opus.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for English Teachers, August 17, 2000

By 

Katya Fedorov (Fairfax, Virginia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The English Teacher's Companion: A Complete Guide to Classroom, Curriculum, and the Profession (Paperback)

As a second year teacher, I have been stressing about my teaching style and what I want my classroom to be. This book is an immense help. The reading is straight forward and informative. Chapter 9 is great! If you need justification for teaching grammar or vocabulary this book really helps and it gives concrete ideas and examples for the teacher who needs plans for her classroom. It's a good buy!