Teaching Spanish: The Essential Handbook

The cover makes you think it's gonna be something very goofy and possibly a complete waste of money - don't worry, it's actually really well written and covers all bases for a new Spanish teacher - including organization, classroom management, and basic to advanced Spanish concepts you'll be teaching. I can only speak to the experience of one reading it to prepare for a first year - it definitely fits that bill.

I like it

Rachel W. Kirk’s Teaching Spanish: The Essential Handbook is divided into two parts: the first deals with classroom issues derived from first-hand experience while the second offers a grammar review complete with practical activities. Kirk has experience as a both a college professor and high school teacher and her passion for teaching is palpable throughout the book.While marketed as a “must-read for the new teacher of Spanish and a must-have reference for the experienced instructor”, the more appropriate audience, the one who would most benefit from her words of wisdom, would be the former group. I would qualify Teaching Spanish as recommended reading for any young, inexperienced, perhaps hesitant teacher at the secondary level who will soon find him/herself in the classroom. I particularly think they will find chapters 1-7 and 19 to be useful, though those between 8-18 are a decent language reference guide. Many of the anecdotes from the first part are reassuring and easy to digest, and the reader can almost hear Kirk’s voice as she explains the challenges and rewards associated with the language teaching.There are a few things about the book, however, I would consider revising if a second edition goes to print. First, I would opt for a cover that reflects more the essence of the book rather than the identity of the author. Second, the inclusion of sweeping generalizations such as “boys tend to be more challenging in the classroom” (78) and unclear directions, “I suggest pairing each student who is more fluent in Spanish with a motivated traditional student” (22), should perhaps be reworded. For example, what if you have a class that is unmotivated in general? Also, I would have liked to have seen the section devoted to native/heritage/traditional learners fleshed out, as it is one of the bigger and more complicated/complex issues facing teachers in secondary and post-secondary education alike today. Regarding English in the classroom, as someone who has twenty-two years of teaching under her belt, I would respectfully disagree and instead encourage teachers to draw, dance, mime and do whatever necessary to get the point across in the target language and to use English only as a last resort.Overall, Dr. Kirk’s attempt to guide newbie teachers is commendable and her book’s message well-intended.

Rachel's book is good and useful. It presents the kind of information you want to read about, and it does so in a kind, easy, and useful way. You feel like you are reading a book written by a person who really understands what you go through in class, always being honest and forward with practicality (though, if you want some theory, it's there too). I underlined and marked many pages, and already adapted some of the activities she proposes. Additionally, I had the pleasure of emailing her with a couple of questions (she opens this possibility in the book) and she got back at me with the most useful, kindest, and thorough answer possible. What an amazing Spanish instructor, and what a kind person!

As a twenty-year veteran French teacher, the idea of changing to Spanish was frightening. This book is a life saver. It is chock full of goodies from the basics like addressing the needs of students from extremely varied language experiences to how to plan and organize courses. This book gave me everything I needed to get going in the Spanish classroom. This is a vital resource!

It's great for beginning teachers that are starting to teach Spanish.

This book is really like having two books.The first being practical instruction, insight and advice for ANY teacher - especially anyone teaching a language - ANY language.The second is the practical application, and nuances of teaching Spanish.I am so grateful for this book & I look to utilize it's wisdom immediately.GRACIAS!

A refresher for a Spanish teacher or person who like to help no Spanish speakers

Great book