Secondary Teaching

This book contains four essays written over 28 years ago while I was teaching writing and literature in the secondary school classroom. I do not wish to make apologies for the unpolished prose style of the essays or for arguments I once would have avidly defended, but today no longer stir a whole lot of zeal in me. Hopefully, a new generation of English teachers will find a few of the ideas contained in the essays of some value today.

We often talk about the challenges of teacher recruitment and retention, about new initiatives and political landscapes, but day in, day out, teachers and schools are delivering exceptional teaching, and most of it is invisible. Ross uncovers, celebrates, and disseminates best practice in teaching. This is supported by case studies and research undertaken by Ross in 10 primary and secondary schools across Great Britain, including a pupil referral unit and private, state and grammar schools, as well as explanations from influential educationalists as to why and how these ideas work.

This book is about my experiences in schools (and now academies which were formerly schools but run differently), as well as different teachers I have worked with, and how this all impacts the pupils we teach. It is an honest account revealing what it is like to be an aspirational teacher, and the difficulties we really find in this profession, with unprofessionalism often rife, senior leaders not in control and pupil behaviour varying from excellent to dangerous and often a challenge to manage. All of this in schools that parents hold in high esteem.

This book helps you be the biggest, boldest, and most powerful version of your teacher self. It reminds you why you became a teacher and coaches you to bring your unique gifts and talents into the classroom. The difference between a so-so lesson and one that leaves a lasting impact on students has everything to do with how confident and connected you feel to yourself and your students.

Does what it says on the tin. Top 10 tips for hitting the ground running for trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers, and teachers everywhere.