Training Teachers: A Harvest of Theory and Practice

A harvest indeed! The table of contents offers a tremendous choice of fare, from philosophical to practical, from professional to personal. And, the rest of the book delivers. No one who trains early childhood professionals should be without this book. It offers inspiration and ideas by the bushel basket, including a unique closing section on nurturing yourself as a trainer.

At last, a book that wonderfully chronicles how to teach adults within a constructivist framework. Each section takes the reader on an exciting journey. The authors consistently weave social-political and cultural context issues throughout the text, while providing an excellent chapter on cultural sensitivity, self-awareness, and anti-bias training strategies. I definitely plan to have this book in my library.

Training Teachers gave me new ideas and insights within minutes of picking it up. It is an important, wise, and practical book, nicely formatted to use as both a coherent text and a resource to drop in and out of. It is essential for trainers and program directors working to improve early childhood programs.

It takes more than loving children to run a quality child care program. Effective staff training is at the heart of the matter. This book is just what is needed to get providers prepared from the beginning.

Working with these trainers as mentors, my time with children is now based on watching, listening, and asking myself questions. Without this change in my approach, I would have burned out long before now. This kind of teaching nurtures me as well as the kids.