"Contains information that is vitally important for the success of any classroom." —Julie Duford, Fifth-Grade Teacher Polson Middle School, MT "Gives teachers a format that we can develop into a philosophy or goal for our classrooms so our students become enthusiastic about learning." —Debbie Halcomb, Fourth-Grade Teacher Robert W. Combs Elementary, Cornettsville, KY "Takes Gardner, Covey, Tomlinson, and wraps them all together in a very motivating approach." —Karen Kersey, Second-Grade Teacher Albans Elementary, St. Albans, WV Embrace quality as the number one priority in your classroom! Inspirational and practical, this book focuses on the quality of teaching and learning in elementary and middle school classrooms and helps teachers and students find more joy, satisfaction, and meaning in their work. Experienced teacher Steve Reifman defines a quality classroom in reader-friendly terms, explains how to measure quality, and covers the conditions under which all students are empowered to reach their full potential. The author synthesizes key concepts from the fields of education, psychology, management, and personal growth to arrive at the eight essential elements of teaching, including realistic goal setting, assessment-oriented instruction, parent involvement, and teacher leadership. Written in a personal, engaging voice and drawing upon the work of experts such as Stephen Covey, Howard Gardner, Ted Sizer, William Glasser, Carol Ann Tomlinson, Alfie Kohn, and Alan Blankstein, this resource Promotes student motivation and a classroom environment of trust and respect Builds higher-level thinking and group problem solving into the curriculum Presents classroom applications, examples, anecdotes, and reproducible pages Features ideas from practicing teachers for putting these essential ideas to work in the classroom Eight Essentials for Empowered Teaching and Learning, K–8 motivates student teachers, beginning teachers, and veteran educators to become the most effective instructors they can be and achieve the best learning outcomes possible for their students.