Customer Reviews

Teacher's Pocket Guide to School Law, A (2nd Edition)

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As others have said, this is an excellent book. I picked it as a quick reference/study guide for my Education Law class. Law has always been interesting for me, but I don't get much use out of books that say things like 'X decision rendered in (year) was a landmark, upholding X principle (insert legal jargon).' A couple of my roommates in college were were law students, and I understand that junk, because I helped them study sometimes, and we talked about interesting cases they were studying, etc.
BUT, when I sit down to read about it, that's not what I want to know. I want to know what the court fight was about, what the court decision was, what it means, and how it affects my school and the classroom. That's exactly what Essex does in this book.
Most chapters are around 10-15 pages long, cover approximately 5 essential concepts or factors, including all the major cases or a description of the key ideas, identify which law is relevant (usually state or federal, though district or school board policies often come into play), a summary of the key players, roles, principles, or components of the concept being discussed. If an actual court case is discussed, it ends with a summary of the argument, the courts' decisions, and the final result. And each 1-3 page section finishes with a brief 'Guide' which provides a list of important things to consider, when addressing the policy or issue covered (Essex is usually very conservative with his recommendations, but at least you have an idea what needs to be considered).
It also includes handy things like a good index, a separate list of all the court cases discussed, appendices that include relevant sections of the Constitution, selected federal statutes, and descriptions of major organizations and how they can impact a teacher.
And finally, Essex is a good writer who makes the topics interesting by minimizing the jargon and focusing on why things are important. Several times, I've found myself reading for a while, after I looked something up, just because he makes stuff interesting.

The Pocket Guide is an excellent, affordable resource for all administrators as well as teachers. It is easy to use and offers guidelines to stay out legal difficulties. The price is right and content parallels his textbook "School Law and the Public Schools".

Nathan Essex has written a succinct, easy-to-understand guide that all teachers need to read to become "legalese savvy" in today's litigious educational climate. From understanding the procedures required for a legal search and seizure to knowing teachers' rights, "A Teacher's Pocket Guide to School Law" is a must read for educators at all grade levels. The book is exceptionally readable and covers the areas of school law that teachers find themselves mired in most. After reading Essex's book, I know that being apprised of the legal ramifications of what I do in the classroom is critical for my own safety as well as the safety of my students.

I have found this book to be very useful. It is updated with the latest of what every teacher needs to be legal in a classroom. I am currently using it for my type 75 program and it has been one of the most valuable books I could have. I would recommend any teacher who has questions about the rights of teachers, students, religion, or politics as it relates to schools to get a copy of this book into your hands.

This pocket guide contains virtually the same information as the text, but in a handier size for quick reference. I have the book at home and the pocket guide at school, and I use both of them all the time.

G. Buermann, Middle School Principal

I ordered my book and received excellent service. Got it in perfect time as well! Thank you Amazon ~ keep up the good work!

It was required for a class, but it turns out it very good.