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Never Too Old To Teach covers a broad array of current educational issues with a focus on special education. Which chapters seem most interesting to you? IntroductionA funny story that happened between the author and a student with a bad reputation that reveals how a sense of humor can break down the teacher-student barrier. The reasons for writing the book are also explored. From a corporate cubicle to the special ed classroomHow a boy who wanted to become a doctor wound up working in Corporate I.T. for fourteen years, and why he quit the cubicle life for the classroom. The unfair special education stigmaHow the power of words and counterproductive mindsets unnecessarily hurt the self-image of students with disabilities. The ThoughtA personal reflection on teaching. The InterviewA humorous look at the strangeness of a job interview in education after so many years at the same job. Knot in my stomachRevealing my nervousness and neuroses as the first day of school approaches. Chocolate BrowniesAn explanation of the connection between food and the satisfaction of teaching. Masters of BrevityA startling and revealing look into conversations with students with reading and writing disabilities that illustrate the remarkable breadth of their compensatory strategies. The Shampoo BottleA magical moment when I realized my students were actually learning something. Sleepy headThe pervasive forces outside the classroom that impede the learning of all students. Drew the human springMore examination of the extra-classroom factors that impede student learning. Stop harassing my sonHow the enabling behavior of parents can contribute to dysfunctional behaviors in their children. The domino effectAn examination of the pervasive effects of the disability cycle: "I can't do it, so I won't do it", then "I won't do it, because I can't do it." My Mother Tore That Shit UpA poignant look at the estranged relationship between a student and her mother and the effects of this relationship in the classroom. Chapter title is a quote from the student. The wise enforcerHow relaxing the rules in the classroom can increase learning. Leave me be, I’m doing fineThe fear students in special education feel at the prospects of moving up and out of the special education supports to which they have become accustomed. Special Education – A ParadoxHow the most difficult students can be the ones to which you grow most attached. You don’t have the patience to be a teacherTitle of the chapter is what several friends told me as I entered graduate school. I explore the reasons why I have infinite patience when working with students. Why are we learning this in English class?How I helped students expand their view of education. Kyle’s ObservationAn amusing yet telling story of one student's insight into his misbehavior. You’re doing THIS for FREE?The hidden yet powerful and pervasive self-image problem within students in special education classes. Chapter title is a quote from a student. Racism, Theresa, and the Big Box StoreMy views on the nature of the causative factors behind racism in society and the educational mindset of different cultures. Fairness and equalityA continuation of the discussion of the previous chapter, with specific examples within my own classroom. The crashing and burning of a group contingencyHow a behavior management technique taught in graduate school can utterly fail in the classroom. Worthless piece of shitThe counterproductive mindset of some teachers when faced with students with learning disabilities. Chapter title is a quote from a teacher. No Drinks in the ClassroomA further examination of the wisdom of strict rules in high school and how judicious relaxation of certain rules increases student motivation and learning. The LBS-I is a good thingA defense of the criticisms of the structure of teacher education programs in Illinois. Don’t Fear the High SchoolWhy I prefer teaching high school over other grades. The Mysterious Kangaroo And His IndictmentAn unknown student invaded my classroom, displaying startling and inappropriate behavior. This chapter details how I dealt with this in an unconventional way. The misbehavior never recurred. Student teaching - IntroductionWhat it's like to be a student teacher. A globeThe lack of educational materials within a large urban high school. Metal detectorsThe use and abuse of metal detectors within the same school. The Perpetual AssemblyA shocking revelation of the poor treatment of some students, and the nature of the causation of this behavior. My MentorsThe good and bad qualities within my mentors. I was troubled at some of the practices of these teachers and invite readers to reflect and discuss these issues. Mentor #1: Candy ManMy experiences with a mentor who surprised me with his teaching and behavior management techniques. Mentor #2: A student’s oldest friendWill you believe the way this mentor taught his classes? Every word is true, with no exaggeration. ApologiaI verify that I am not passing judgment, merely reporting observations and writing my thoughts about them. The difference between men and womenOne of the most fascinating events in my student teaching experience was how a simple instance of misbehavior was viewed remarkably differently by men and women. “Why are you teaching us this shit?”A further look at the poor self-image and anti-education mindset within some students, and some ideas to help overcome it. Chapter title is a student quotation. Don’t wish for quietBook wrap-up. A summary of the joys I've felt and setbacks I've experienced, and a positive note for the future.
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