Kathleen Jasper

Book Resources

This page has all the resources, including videos and digital downloads, discussed in the book.

TEACH: A Survival Guide to a Successful Start in Education

Welcome to the reference and resource page to my book. First I want to thank you for taking the time to purchase and read my very first non-fiction book. I am thrilled you’re here. This page and its resources are designed to complement the information in the book and provide you with some extra support as you implement some of the methods mentioned in the survival guide. Remember, everything I suggest in the book and on this page are just that, suggestions. 

This page is organized in the way the book is organized: in sections. As you read the book, you will be able to find the corresponding resources in order. I compiled videos and digital downloads to enhance your experience as you read. You can use all, some, or none of these resources. And as always, you can modify them to fit your needs. There is a lot of information in the book and on this page, so take it easy on yourself and use what you can when you can. Enjoy!

Please please please, take a moment to review my book when you're ready. Reviews really help others find the book and allow me the necessary feedback I need to write more. 

Table Of Contents

The sections below match the sections in the book, so you can access the information and resources based on where they align within the book.  Simply click on the section you would like to access.

  • SECTION ONE: HOW TO CULTIVATE A SUCCESSFUL TEACHER MINDSET
  • SECTION TWO: HOW TO NAVIGATE TEACHER CERTIFICATION
  • SECTION THREE: TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES THAT WORK
  • SECTION FOUR: CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT 101
  • SECTION FIVE: EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING
  • SECTION SIX: EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION
  • SECTION SEVEN: HOW TO BE A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE EDUCATOR

SECTION ONE: HOW TO CULTIVATE A SUCCESSFUL TEACHER MINDSET

Impostor syndrome is the belief that you're an inadequate and incompetent failure, despite evidence that indicates you're nothing of the sort. In fact, all signs would point to you being skilled and quite successful. For example, you feel like you don’t belong in the classroom even though you interviewed for the job and the principal chose you for the position. That alone means you deserve to be in the position. Impostor syndrome makes no sense, but it is the by-product of comparing oneself to others.

Another paralyzing belief is that we must wait until it's perfect to do something. To that I say, just do it and make changes after you give it a go. You'll see what worked and what didn't, and you can modify accordingly.

Some times you have to just try and fail and try again. Don't wait until it's perfect or you'll miss out on an opportunity to grow.

SECTION TWO: HOW TO NAVIGATE TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Becoming a teacher is not only an intimidating process, but it takes a ton of time and energy. Here are a few videos to help you through the process. Most states follow the same general structure for certifying new teachers. This includes five main steps:

  • Submit your official transcripts to the state’s Department of Education.
  • Apply on the state website for certification.
  • Obtain a letter of eligibility, verifying they’ve reviewed your transcripts and application and deemed you eligible to teach in the state.
  • Complete certification classes or programs if your degree is not in education. For example, my degree was in English, so I had to take an additional nine credit hours of education classes at the college level to supplement my undergraduate degree.
  • Pass state-standardized teacher certification exams.  

This is a step-by-step process about how to get started on your professional teacher certification. Every state is different, but the methods in this video will help any new teacher entering the profession. 

Once you have applied at the state level, you will have an opportunity to interview for positions. Check out this playlist on teacher resumes, cover letters, and how to interview for the job. 

Teacher Resume #1

This is a simple resume with nothing extra. This is a great place to start if you do not have a lot of formatting experience in MS Word.

Teacher Resume #2

This is a slightly more complex template that uses tables to organize content inside the resume. You will need a little experience in MS Word.

Teacher Resume #3

This is the advanced version of the teacher resume with several elements that will help you make your resume stand out from the others in the pile.

How to Navigate Your Teacher Certification Exams

The following resources focus on strategies and tips to help you pass your certification exams within one year. In chapter six of my book, I break down the 4-S method for tackling your tests. The following videos and downloads will help you do this. Click here or the pic below to access these videos.

Download this study plan for the Praxis Core exam and use and modify it to meet your needs as you study. 

SECTION THREE: TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES THAT WORK

In this section of the book I go over some easy ways to avoid burnout. This video will also help you as you read through this chapter. Remember, you can’t be all things to all people. So if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no, thank you. 

SECTION FOUR: CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT 101

Latest Video on Classroom Management

I also have a three-part video series on this. These videos will help reinforce the concepts I go over in chapters 9, 10, and 11. 

SECTION FIVE: EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING

I developed the following videos and resources to help you plan your instruction effectively. There are videos and a lesson plan template for you to use throughout this process. i also have a lesson plan template and a sample lesson plan for you to use with these videos. 

In chapter 12, I go over how to access, read, and use academic standards when planning your instruction. In this video I show you how to use the standards to plan your lessons. I also go over how to use your district and state resources to make this process easier. Don’t forget to download my simple lesson plan template and the sample lesson plan for reference. 

Remember, building solid objectives for your students sets the foundation of their learning. I go over this in chapter 13. Here is a video to show you how to do this.

Now let’s keep things simple and apply that framework I talk about in chapter 14 to all of our lessons. This video will help you do this. Using this simple framework saved me a ton of time and energy when I was a new teacher.

Remember how I went over how to use the test specs to pass your certification exams, well you can use your students’ state test specifications to plan your instruction. I go over this at the end of chapter 12. Here is a video to show you how it’s done. 

SECTION SIX: EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

Now that we understand standards and objectives and planned our instruction, we can explore a few of my tried-and-true strategies. In the following videos I will show you the strategies discussed in chapters 15-18.

Word Wall Template

Cooperative Learning Checklist

SECTION SEVEN: HOW TO BE A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE EDUCATOR

Now we’re putting it all together to become a rockstar in the classroom. Below are videos to help you with the methods I discuss in chapters 19 through 22.