An incredibly
helpful book,
just
for teachers.
Hilarious, helpful, and real. The absolute best book about teaching you will ever read, unless Lanious decides to write more.
I remember harboring feelings of total betrayal when reflecting upon my college education program as I struggled through my first few years of teaching. I have since determined that most of the educational authors and professors had either never actually been classroom teachers themselves, or they were so far removed from the reality of the modern classroom that their strategies were limited to pure idealism and wishful thinking. There were of course exceptions...but not many.
Lanious however, has truly captured the essence of what it is to maintain a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life in one of the highest turnover professions in the nation. Instead of being grounded in theory alone, his tips come from years of experience in the field. Plus, it's written in a humorous tone that makes you feel like you're sitting across from him at your local coffee shop, during which he is likely telling you how much money you're wasting every day by buying coffee at that place.
If you are looking for practical, real-life strategies to help you maintain your sanity as a teacher and human, look no further than Best Teacher Life, by Eric Lanious.
-Derrick Smythe, author of The Other Magic
5.0 out of 5 stars Honesty and Reality
“My sister got this book for me, and I am happy she did.
This book is blunt and to the point. It kind of reminds me of Angela Watson's 40 hour work week program, minus the fluff and extras (and her fluff and extras is good fluff; don't get me wrong). The author does a great job of telling you how it is, and emphasizing how important it is to keep your sanity and how that, in turn, can lead to effective teaching. He does use blunt humor (sometimes swearing), but I did not find that offensive. It is nice to have a book that says: Here is what is important. He also gives some good tips, like don't denigrate math if that's not your subject. I am only a second year teacher, and a lot of this you pick up as you go, but it is also nice to point out the realities - like he says, you want your students to be tired, not you. Take mental health breaks if you have to. Note what works and what doesn't.
Good, solid advice. It's nice to read a teacher book that seems more grounded than some of the usual suspects that are like, "hey, if you just *love* enough the students will suddenly learn trigonometry and never act up in your class ever." Teaching is hard work. I appreciate he acknowledges that. Thank you for great book. Definitely worth reading. Some may disagree with his tenets, but I found them pretty true.” - Amazon Review
“Take the time to read this. It’s insightful and from the heart. I would recommend to anyone working in education. It will make you realize you can do this and it will make you laugh along the way. Thanks for taking the time to write it Eric Lanious.” - Amazon Review
“Great book! Includes about everything. Wish it was around to read before I was a retired teacher. Keep writing and help other teachers. Not crazy about some of the swear words.” - Amazon Review
4.0 out of 5 stars Funny, fast, small sections
“A very short read with quick tidbits that are less "do it this way because it is tested and proven" and more "here's some things I do, most of which make sense for others too". My new favorite word from this is book is "unfuckwithable" and I think I will make sure to schedule some time that is "unfuckwithable" soon.” - Amazon Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing quick takes on the classroom
“Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2020 Verified Purchase Great quick read, full of good advice and tips for new teachers. Veteran teachers will appreciate his honest (sometimes hilarious) takes on daily school day rituals. As an educator for 20+ years I really enjoyed his positive approach to the impossible role of today's classroom teacher. Definitely a book I'll be recommending to my colleagues.” - Amazon Review
“There little things in here that can be applied throughout our lives not just in teaching but in ways to better ourselves as humans.” - Amazon Review