Monday, June 15, 2009

HR: Rx

Check out this thoughtful blog/book review written by my old school chum. Great perspective!

Source: http://nicolechilders.com/?p=29

A former classmate of mine, Angela Vaughn Averitt, recently published a book marketed towards Middle School teachers. I ordered a copy as soon as I heard about it, not because I’ve ever taught as much as a flea circus but because I wanted to show my support.

When it arrived, I sat down in my recliner and started reading. With each chapter, I began to realize that although the target audience consisted only of teachers, Angela had in fact penned a book that was perfect for Human Resources departments. With a smile, I recognized that the highlighted childish behaviors of the the students were mimicked by adults in corporate America.

With that in mind, I started over, reading The Middle School Classroom: Rx for Success as an HR guidebook rather than a teacher’s handbook. The resulting read was one of the best I’ve had as a business manager and I encourage others to pick up a copy of this book. Angela explains, often with humor, common behavior issues with Middle School children that you will instantly recognize in your troublesome adult employees. She also boldly chastises teachers who cross the invisible line of acceptable conduct, which you’ll find quite useful as well when reevaluating your HR practices.

Buy a copy for your local teachers and pick up a copy for yourself. As you read it, you’ll realize how little many of us have actually grown up!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Acceptance by Baker and Taylor; New Reviews

The Middle School Classroom: Rx for Success can now add acceptance by Baker and Taylor to its list of accomplishments. Baker and Taylor is the distributor for Books-A-Million and Borders. Very exciting to Google your book title and see it listed with these well-known vendors.

In addition, we have received several stellar reviews from people of note:

Excellent resource. The format makes it easy to follow and use as a resource. Very practical and I will utilize information from this book in mentoring new teachers as well as continuing the reminding process to tenure staff. This book provides all of what we do, but puts it in print to remind us. - Ryan Ruhl, Norris HS Principal and President of the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals

Thank you for sharing your book. I found it informative, practical, and easy to read. It's filled with sound recommendations to support new teachers to deal with the myriad of daily dilemmas they are confronted with. Supporting new teachers is critical, and your book is certainly a nice resource in this regard. - Steve Pophal, President, National Association of Secondary School Principals

Saturday, March 21, 2009

BayWest Update - March 2009

The past few months have been extremely eventful, in my personal life, as well as in the life of my little company.

Early October 2008, I was promoted to Academic Coach at my school, providing the perfect opportunity to share my vision and hard work with my colleagues. That same week, my husband and I learned we were expecting our first child. We are both in our mid-thirties, and have wanted children for some time now, so this is truly a blessing!

Mid January 2009, we learned our new addition was a girl, then just days later, I lost my dad and best friend. He was 72.

Many BayWest milestones have occurred during this bittersweet period. Pregnancy, grieving, and adjusting to a new job certainly took their toll; I have had neither the time nor energy to update this blog, but I am ready to share with you now.

The Middle School Classroom: Rx for Success received a glowing review from The Library Journal in December 2008, which served as a catalyst for almost more library orders than we can keep up with. That's a good problem to have!

Concurrently, barnesandnoble.com Joseph-Beth and Davis-Kidd Booksellers have agreed to carry the book. In addition, the book has been/is being reviewed by numerous principals, teachers, publications, and professional associations, including the president of the National Association of Secondary Schools.

I see more and more potential for the book everyday, when I see the impact it has had on readers' confidence. I will close in saying I have experienced no greater blessing in this life than knowing something I created has the ability to positively impact the lives of others.