A Sustainable Start: What Makes This Different?

I plan to release A Sustainable Start on August 16, 2011.  Any Forty-Niners fan would tell you that 16 is a lucky number. I plan to keep this blog series going until August 1st.  I know that there are a ton of new teacher books out there, but there are a few things that make this one different (though not necessarily better):

• A different focus:  Looking back, I thought I needed help with bulletin boards and teaching strategies.  What I really needed was a hard look at discipline, shame, my mindset and my sens of awareness in the classroom.  I cover a few themes that don't seem to be covered in most new teacher books. 
• A different philosophy: Many of the new teacher books rely on a behaviorist, corporate management philosophy.  This book is for those who yearn for student-centered, authentic learning with a healthy dose of realism mixed in. 
• A different style: I use a  more personal, narrative style of writing than many of the books written for new teachers.  I write about my classroom experiences alongside stories from fatherhood and childhood.  While I still offer some practical advice, I'm honest about my mistake and what people can learn from them.