Learners First

Practical advice, inclusive strategies, meaningful impact.

The early years of teaching can be exhilarating and overwhelming in equal measure. Drawing on over 50 years of combined experience in public schooling, coaching, and higher education, authors Denise Furlong and Keri Orange-Jones equip novice educators with the tools, insights, and perspectives they need to thrive in today’s classrooms.

Learners First applies an equity lens to a range of topics essential to every teacher’s first years in the classroom, including grading and assessment, inclusive practices for diverse learners, key considerations for multilingual learners, and more. Additional features include

• Chapter-opening reflection questions and key vocabulary to support understanding
• Quotes and vignettes from a diverse range of educators, including novice teachers, seasoned mentors, instructional coaches, and administrators
• Practical advice for lesson planning, assessments, evaluations, and behavior management

With its holistic approach to the whole child and the whole teacher, Learners First empowers educators to foster inclusive classrooms and develop as resilient, reflective professionals. This essential guide is more than a "survival guide" for new teachers—it’s a call to action and growth.