The days are gone when students entered a classroom and waited to be taught. Today's students bring baggage, literally and figuratively, into classrooms; moreover, teachers are challenged to effectively deal with that baggage while providing meaningful instruction and maximum learning for every student. For new teachers to blossom and veteran teachers to remain invigorated, the contemporary vision of education must address the complex aspects of classroom management.

The authors view classroom management as the process of weaving a tapestry of management concerns into daily classroom operation. Consequently, this book focuses on organizing and managing classrooms, students and instruction in our constantly changing educational universe. Strategies for maximizing the time and attention devoted to instruction and learning for all students are provided in this resource that focuses on practical aspects of classroom management in a user-friendly format.

Sixty years of experience teaching all secondary grades and all ability levels have provided rich first-hand sources from which the authors draw. Their book presents practical suggestions with background explanations for why their strategies can be effective. Grounding their subject in the real world of the classroom, the authors voice their authentic experiences to enhance their book with a personal touch.



Kay Twaryonas and Patti Slagle have spent sixty years as classroom teachers in the Louisville, Kentucky public schools. Kay's range of experience includes English, humanities and English as a Second Language at two schools. Patti's teaching experience includes English, speech and drama at three schools. Both Kay and Patti are fellows of a National Writing Project affiliate, which was instrumental in developing their teaching skills. Although they have both successfully taught students with wide-ranging abilities, Kay's focus has been on advanced students, while Patti's focus has been with challenged students.

Their classroom management skills developed mostly on their own initiative from trial and error, by observing effective teacher models, and by "borrowing" ideas. Remaining open to change, they have often re-visioned their approaches to classroom management. What they have gleaned from this odyssey has contributed to their success as master teachers. By sharing their insights, Kay and Patti hope to contribute to teachers' success and fulfillment. This book is their legacy to dedicated teachers now and in the future.

In life outside the classroom, Patti is an ardent supporter of and volunteer for Actors Theatre of Louisville. Kay is involved with dog agility competition and therapy dog activities.