Yes, You Can!
Advice for Teachers Who Want a Great Start and a Great Finish With Their Students of Color
- Gail L. Thompson - Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
- Rufus Thompson
When novice teachers are assigned to teach disadvantaged students, the results are predictable: growing tension and frustration on both sides, leading to disengaged students and disillusioned educators.
Gail and Rufus Thompson are renowned experts on bridging the instructional gaps between teachers and students who don’t look like them. In this book, the authors show new teachers how to flourish by building on the assets of their students and the students’ families.
Yes, You Can! holds up a mirror to deeply-held beliefs about race and other variables of difference. Through interactive exercises, readers gain confidence and empathy that translate to success for students. The book includes:
- Powerful vignettes about real teachers and students that help promote teacher empathy and understanding
- Original research conducted by the authors on the confidence levels of new and experienced educators
- Targeted strategies for many student profiles: African American, Latino, Asian American, White, high-achiever, low-achiever, and more
Before learning can take place, there must be mutual understanding and respect between student and teacher. Yes, You Can! ensures these critical links are strong.
—Randall B. Lindsey, Professor Emeritus
California State University, Los Angeles
"This is one of the most useful books I have read in some time! Whether novice or veteran, if one truly wants to be successful in teaching children and youth of color, the Thompson’s exciting new book, Yes You Can, is an invaluable tool. The book is designed for personal use as well as professional development with colleagues. From their extensive experience as successful classroom teachers, researchers, and leaders of professional development, the authors combine authentic scenarios, reflection activities, and suggested strategies that empower educators in being effective with students at all grade levels and from all demographic groups in our society."
"After reading Yes, You Can! Advice for Teachers Who Want to a Great Start and a Great Finish with Their Students of Color, I cannot imagine teaching or administrating without it. This honest, engaging book will open your eyes to new ways to relate to kids and help them be successful. Though focused on students of color, the book helps with all areas of diversity: all races and ethnicities, low performing vs. high performing, English learners vs. native English speakers, etc. True stories and testimonies humanize the research findings, straightforward activities encourage reflection and dialogue, and practical strategies make the book’s recommendations not just something educators can do, but something we are driven to do. Refreshingly, rather than calling for more from busy educators, the book shares how to do things differently in a way that leads to improved teacher confidence, improved classroom management, improved student/teacher and parent/teacher relationships, and so much more. Most of all, the authors – two of the best educators of our time – have shared ways we can directly improve the lives of students who need our help. For that reason above all others, this book is a must read."
"This book reassures, and reinforces every teacher’s confidence to teach. The authors strategically, yet sensitively, empower teachers to delve into their own thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences in order to increase their personal effectiveness. The research-based suggestions to teachers who want to be successful are offered in a practical, thorough, and self-examining process. The chapters’ reflective activities can easily be used during a professional development session or during a university course. Every teacher who reads this book will be encouraged to focus on their confidence level and know within their hearts that they can indeed raise the dialogue within themselves and build strong, caring relationships with their students, parents, colleagues, and school leaders."
