Teaching, Bearing the Torch: Introduction to Education Foundations by Pamela J. Farris, Patricia L. Rieman
559 pages, $89.95 list
1-4786-0158-2
978-1-4786-0158-6
eBook availability
Teaching, Bearing the Torch
Introduction to Education Foundations
Third Edition
Teachers are torchbearers—leaders who impart knowledge, truth, or inspiration to others. Pamela Farris, joined by Patricia Rieman in the latest edition of this exceptional foundations text, clearly demonstrates how teachers bear the torch. The authors’ well-researched approach provides both positive and negative aspects of education trends. Their generous use of examples shows how teaching and schooling fit into the broader context of U.S. society and how they match up with other societies throughout the world.

Farris and Rieman’s lively writing style instills teacher education candidates with a lucid understanding of such topics as philosophy and history of education, national trends, requirements of becoming a teacher, teachers’ salaries, how schools are governed and funded, demographic changes and expectations for the future, differences in rural and urban schools, and use of technology. Detailed lists of a variety of websites provide additional resources.

Anecdotes of professionals in the field—authentic-voice narratives with frank insights into real-world teaching experiences—punctuate the text. Boxed scenarios concentrate on important issues and educators, energize readers’ interest, and stimulate proactive thinking. Other outstanding features are the book’s affordability and versatility. Instructors can easily assign all or a portion of the chapters to fit course needs.
Table of Contents
1. The Teaching Profession
The Importance of Education and Teachers / Selecting Teaching as a Career / Teacher Preparation / Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) / The Teaching Profession / The Professionalization of Teaching / Employment Opportunities in the Teaching Profession / Finding a Teaching Position

2. The Purpose of Schools
The Historical Perspective / The Cultural Perspective / Sociology of Education / The Functions of Schools / Child Development and Schooling / The Role of Curriculum

3. Trends in Education
Presidential Goals for Education / Education Reform / National Standards for Teachers and Students / Response to Intervention (RtI) / The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) / The Length of the School Day and Year / Science, Technology, Engineering, Math: STEM High Schools / Public versus Private Schools: Which Performs Best? / School Choice / Inclusion / Gender Equity and Single-Sex High Schools / The Need for Early Childhood Education / The Need for More Female and Minority School Administrators / Technology

4. Philosophical Foundations of Education
Philosophical Stances / Theories of Education / Philosophical Concepts and Terms

5. International Influences on the Foundations of Education
Middle Eastern Civilizations / Asian Civilization / Greece / Rome / Europe: Education in the Middle Ages / Renaissance and Reformation in Europe / European Educational Leaders

6. Historical Foundations of American Education
Colonial Schools / The Common School / The Secondary School / Goals of Public Education / Education of Diverse Populations / Private Education / The Development of Colleges and Universities

7. Legal and Ethical Issues in Education
Legal Issues / Jurisdiction Rights / The Judicial System / Religion and the Public Schools / Rights of Students with Disabilities / Bullying / Technology and Legal Issues / Legal Issues for Teachers / Legal Issues for Students / Legal Issues Websites / History of Ethics and Education / Ethics in Today's Schools

8. Social Issues in Education
Common Issues in Schools / Demographic Changes in the School Population / Characteristics of At-Risk Students / Cost of Education / Family Involvement and Issues / Challenges of Nontraditional Living Situations / Dropouts / Diversity Issues / Substance Abuse / Violence in Schools / School/Family/Community Partnerships

9. The Administration and Governance of Schools
Local School Governance / Local School Authority / State Authority / Federal Authority / Other Factors Influencing the Control of American Education

10. School Funding
Local Funding / State Funding / Federal Funding / Trends in School Funding

11. Teachers in the Schools
A Teacher's Workday / Stress and Teaching / The Use of Technology to Reduce Stress / Working with Difficult People / Entering the Teaching Profession / Attitudes in Teaching / Teaching Goals / The Teacher as Manager

12. The School Curriculum
Purpose of the Curriculum / The Organization of Curriculum / Curriculum Content / Standards and the Curriculum / Block Scheduling / Curriculum for Diverse Populations / Influences on the School's Curriculum / Evaluation and Assessment

13. Effective Instructional Strategies
Teacher Effectiveness / Performance Assessment for Initial Teaching License / Teacher Evaluation / Nine Educational Productivity Factors / Learning Theories / Psychological Theories / Systematic Direct Instruction / Constructivism and Active Learning / Integrated Instruction / Differentiated Instruction / Holistic Instruction / Reflective Thinking and Teaching / Cooperative/Collaborative Learning / Technology and Teacher Effectiveness / Teacher Professional Development

14. Managing the Classroom Environment
Time Management / Student Involvement / Student Engagement / Classroom Communication / Teachers' Managerial Decisions / Straight Talk about Gangs

15. Schools and Their Environment
Current Trends / Economics and Schools / School Settings / PreK-Kindergarten / The Elementary School Environment / The Middle School Environment / The High School Environment

16. Education in Other Countries
Teachers' Salaries throughout the World / Teaching Conditions throughout the World / North American Countries / Select European Countries / Asian Countries / Australia / New Zealand / Middle Eastern Countries / African Countries / International Education Organizations / Teaching in Another Country

Epilogue

Appendix A: Job Search Timetable Checklist
Appendix B: The Letter of Application
Appendix C: Domains of Learning
Appendix D: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Appendix E: Major Events in Education
Glossary of Important Terms