Teaching teenagers can be very rewarding; it can also be very challenging. Relating to Adolescents helps adults who work with teenagers to understand what happens in their dynamic with students. From the "Five Things Teens Need from Grown-Ups" to the "Seven Grown-Up Skills," this book covers all aspects of the adult-teenager relationship and provides educators with guidance and practical tips on how to increase their effectiveness in their work with teenagers in schools.
Susan Eva Porter, PhD, has worked in and with schools for more than twenty years as a teacher, clinician, and consultant.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 ForewordChapter 2 IntroductionChapter 3 The Phenomenon of AdolescenceChapter 4 Working in the Teenage World: Adults in the Hot ZoneChapter 5 The Seven Grown-Up SkillsChapter 6 The Five Things Teens Need from Grown-UpsChapter 7 Dos and Don'tsChapter 8 Five Guidelines for Administrators: The A-TeamChapter 9 The Eightfold Path of Adult Self-CareChapter 10 Epilogue
What People are Saying About This
Rachel Friis Stettler
Porter's keenly observed study of the adult- teenage dynamic in schools is a welcome foray into a complex and misunderstood world. By openly acknowledging challenges that are rarely discussed in schools, she provides a useful guidebook for teachers and administrators to confront these challenges. Whether the reader is a novice teacher or seasoned administrator, her insights will shine light on the familiar and encourage a fresh look at the practices of adults in a teenage world.
Travis Brownley
Reading this book is like having a really good friend sit down and tell you the truth. In a world focused on youth, Susan Porter's book reminds us of the importance of our own adulthood. With encouragement, insight, and humor, her wisdom guides all of us who care about teenagers through the inevitable conflicts and joys of our work. She helps us remember that adolescents need the adults in their lives to provide boundaries, love, and support.
Peter Thorp
This is a book every new teacher should read.
Ted Sizer
This book can help teacher educators and their schools of education in a variety of ways from its use as a course text to its potential to provide the springboard for institutional reform.