This book offers strategies to help both new teachers and seasoned veterans create dynamic classroom environments where students enjoy learning and teachers enjoy teaching. In addition to no-nonsense advice, checklists, and handouts, the book includes: (1) A step-by-step plan to make the first week of school a success; (2) Approaches for creating a positive discipline plan; (3) Methods for motivating students, especially reluctant readers; (4) Strategies for successful classroom management; and (5) Suggestions for creating and grading student portfolios. The book includes eleven chapters: (1) Are You Teacher Material? (The pros and cons of teaching and what it takes to be a super teacher); (2) Do Your Homework (A framework for helping teachers define their own teaching philosophies); (3) Preparation, Preparation, Preparation (Tips for organizing your classroom, your paperwork, and your self); (4) Make the First Week of Class a First-Class Week (Suggestions and specific activities for creating a dynamic classroom); (5) Discipline is Not a Dirty Word (Techniques for designing rules and creating a positive discipline environment); (6) Motivation & Morale Boosters (Practical suggestions for motivating and inspiring students of all ages and abilities); (7) The Three R's: Reading, Reading, and Reading (Tips for motivating kids to read, improve comprehension, and teach poetry); (8) Teachers Talk: Q&A (Q&A from teachers on topics that may not be discussed in teacher training); (9) Students FAQ (Friends, siblings, parents, staying cool, bullies, and more); (10) Time and Energy Savers (Tips to save time, reduce stress, & focus energy on teaching instead of busy work); and (11) Twenty Years From Now (Letters from readers who write about their teachers). An appendix includes resources, books, and websites.