Book Reviews of The Essential 55: An Award-winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child

The genre of inspirational books for teachers has given a lot to teachers who can relax and be restored by sharing and savoring other teachers' struggles and triumphs. This book can serve that purpose. It isn't particularly well written, and the author includes a larger than usual dose of self-promotion, still, some of its content may be helpful and its mood is largely upbeat. Sadly, if you think about the overall message you may notice as I did that his focus is largely on behavior rather than on learning. He uses behaviorism, and doesn't seem to be interested in the fact that students can develop autonomy and good judgment, that their quality of life in the classroom is more important than the teacher's. He illustrates the inevitability of "mistakes" with a story of his own exceedingly bad judgement and vindictive behaviors that he roped his students into supporting. Hm.

If you would like to read an inpirational teacher book by an author who supports development of _character_ rather than of obedience, and displays humility in the service of the students he loves I'd recommend either Esquith's "There are No Shortcuts" or "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire."

An easy read with lots of really good ideas! As a teacher I loved his perspective and enthusiasm for his students. Would definetely recommend.

Good Ideas

Didn't find the tips particularly applicable to my students; however, this book has received good press, and some of the ideas are wonderful. Author has very optimistic views for students.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Every teacher should read it!

Raise the standards and expect the best from your students. Parents and educators alike can use thes simple rules to help their kids succeed.