Who’s In My Classroom?
In Who's In My Classroom?, Gess LeBlanc delivers an inspirational and practical combination of:
True stories directly from teens in Youth Communication's award-winning writing program
The most current educational research interpreted for post-pandemic schools
This book links theories of adolescent development and identity formation to best practices in real-world classrooms where teachers strive to form supportive relationships with students. Every concept is illustrated with a compelling case study written by the high school student themselves, leading to wonderfully rich classroom discussions amongst your teacher candidates.
If you’re interested in learning more about
WHO students are,
WHAT influences their learning and behavior
HOW to better support their needs
This book is for you.
Order Your Copy Today!
Table of Contents
3 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Who’s In My Classroom?
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Read the Book
Becoming a developmentally and culturally responsive teacher involves raising your awareness, building your knowledge, enhancing your skill, and increasing your impact. This book can help you to do that
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Engage in Real Conversations With Your Colleagues
What makes this book unique is that it’s filled with real stories. Since the stories are real, your conversations with your colleagues need to be real.
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Try The Strategies In Your Classroom
In the end, it’s all about your impact. Raising your awareness and knowledge won’t help your students until you change your practices.
What You’ll Find In This Book…
Narrative and explanations of the most cutting-edge research in educational and developmental psychology and cultural competence
Excerpts from stories by students specifically written and edited with social and emotional learning competencies in mind
Practical and concrete strategies for administrators and teachers to implement for sustainable improvement in learning outcomes for their students
Meet The Author
Dr. Gess LeBlanc is a developmental psychologist who has worked in fields of teacher and leadership preparation for over twenty years. As an expert in the field of child and adolescent development, he is a sought-after speaker and consultant to school districts, state agencies, and non-profit organizations. His research has garnered awards from the Spencer Foundation and the American Psychological Association and he is a past recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Equality and Excellence in Education, Inc.
Who's In My Classroom Brings Theory To life
Who's In My Classroom was written in partnership with Youth Communication, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping students write and publish their own stories.
Through their powerful, extended process, students are able to reveal remarkable, deep insights into their educational experience and their own development.
What People Are Saying…
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A Vital Resource for New and Experienced Teachers
“Who’s in My Classroom? is a vital resource for new and experienced teachers who truly want to connect to their students by bringing developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practices to their work. The practical advice at the end of each chapter is precisely what teachers and schools need to bring students’ lives, experiences, strengths, and culture into the center of the educational enterprise.”
Lisa Delpit
Best Selling Author of
“Teaching When The World is On Fire” -
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This is a Masterpiece.
“Who’s in My Classroom? is a must read for teachers and more importantly for any professional who is trying to figure out what it means to create equitable, engaging learning environments that allow young people to be their full selves. I’ve read (and contributed to) research-informed practice guides. The book is a "here’s why" guide that skillfully uses young people’s stories to bring home the obvious: learning is social and emotional. The stories show the specific types of power that teachers have (starting with the power to make assumptions). That opens the door for delivering incredibly specific advice for how to make young people feel like they are trusted and valued, and the powerful impact that has on a young person’s ability to be present and enthusiastic about learning. This is a masterpiece.”
Karen Pittman
Senior Fellow of The Forum for Youth Investment -
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Important and Timely
“This is an important and timely book. It’s clear that teachers need to know more than their subject area to be effective educators. Students benefit when their teachers also have a foundation in child and adolescent development and are culturally responsive. This book will help teachers develop in both domains. It makes effective use of the student writing that Youth Communication has published over the years by aligning the students’ stories to a developmental framework. The student writing is compelling. It complements the academic and theoretical learning found in most teacher professional development programs and will help even veteran teachers build the relationships with students that can spur academic motivation.”
Larry Woodbridge
Former Senior Executive Director of the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Leadership
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My Students Loved this Book!
“I assigned Who's In My Classroom? for my adolescent development class and it’s a game changer. Suddenly my students were talking about the real experiences of students and staying focused on culturally responsive teaching in a way they never had before. Plus it’s well written and the student vignettes are really moving. My students loved this book.”
Dr. Amanda Crowell
Professor of Educational Foundations
