Review
"A Survival Kit for the Substitute and New Teacher, Jennifer Gaither's book, is full of practical suggestions for enlivening instruction and managing classrooms. The book has spirit and insight about what captures children's attention" --
Robert Booker, Ed.D., RSBA, CEO, Baltimore City Public Schools"I have had the exciting pleasure of reading your book A Survival Kit for the Substitute & New Teacher.' Frankly, it makes me want to go into the classroom and try some of the ideas.
As a trainer of pre-service teachers' I whole-heartedly endorse it as a tool for new teachers. It is very clear that you have given this book a great deal of time and thought matched by your experience with love for children. I am particularly pleased by the tone you set in the book. It is also easy to read and simple to follow.
Many of my students are very concerned about issues that on the surface appear very simple, yet when they are about to enter the classroom, they become very anxious and nervous. If they get access to this book before, I believe some of their fears will be relaxed because you provide them with steps and a repertoire of things to do - even on the first day.
I intend to use the book as supplemental reading in my class and as a resource for student teachers that I supervise. It is a great idea and most timely. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to review it. I hope you can get it into the hands of those who wish to help students learn and succeed" -- Delois L. Maxwell, Ed.D., Assistant Professor and Coordinator K-12 Professional Development, Towson University
"Mrs. Gaither is a superior teacher who has captured the true craft of classroom teaching and management in her book. The advice in this book has also been a source of inspiration to the new teacher who attends her workshop. Truly a wonderful book!" -- Gwendolyn E. Cleage, Principal, Hazelwood School #210, Baltimore, MD
"Thank you for sending me a copy of your new book A Survival Kit for the Substitute & New Teacher'. Your book is a wonderful resource for classroom instruction.
The Reading by 9 program has over 120 Sun employees who volunteer within the local Elementary Schools to tutor children between the ages of 6 to 9 in reading. We are always excited to receive any information that will assist us in our commitment to helping children reach their reading potential" -- Luwanda Jenkins, The Baltimore Sun Reading By 9 Program
"The Survival Kit for the Substitute and New Teacher by Jennifer Gaither is an excellent tool for substitute teachers especially at the elementary and middle school levels.
The book provides easy reading and a variety of strategies to help a substitute and teacher have a positive day. Not only are there practical activities for students, but also background information for the substitute teacher relative to discipline and curriculum and instructional practices.
I highly recommend the book to administrators and teachers" -- Charlene Cooper Boston, Ph.D., Area Executive Officer, Department of Education, Baltimore, MD
"This book is a valuable resource for the new teacher and the student teacher. It includes motivating and challenging activities. It is also easy to read and simple to follow. Should be required reading for every student teacher" -- Keith B. Wilson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education, Penn State
About the Author
Jennifer Gaither was raised and educated in the Baltimore City School System. She knew from early childhood that teaching would always be her career choice.
Over the last twenty-five years, Jennifer has pursued her teaching career with zeal and enthusiasm. She was named teacher representative on three occasions during her career from 1987, 1993, and 1995. Jennifer was also named Middle School Teacher of the Year for 1995 which is a highly selective honor. Her students fondly refer to her as "Teacher #1." Mrs. Gaither's students have also acknowledged her leadership by nominating her for Who's Who Among American Teachers on three occasions.
Over the years, Jennifer has performed demonstration lessons for student teachers at the College of Notre Dame and Morgan State University. She is currently serving as a mentor teacher for Towson State University's Urban Teacher Candidate Program. Mrs. Gaither is an advocate of efficacy and maintains that students possess within themselves the power to succeed. The teacher's job is to find that spark and set the student on a hot pursuit to the pathway of knowledge.
After hearing so many horror stories from substitutes and new teachers, Jennifer was divinely inspired to write a handbook that would assist the "rookie" in motivation and discipline in the classroom. Anyone entering the classroom arena should not be without "A Survival Kit."
Jennifer Gaither is a graduate of Coppin State College with a B.S. degree in education and a Master's equivalent from Towson State University.
