Matthew J. Jennings is a twenty-eight-year veteran of education. He has served as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of human resources, director of student services, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, and a classroom teacher. He earned his master’s degree and doctorate in educational administration from Rutgers University.

• AcknowledgementsINTRODUCTIONChapter ONE: First Rate Guide to Classroom ManagementChapter TWO: First Rate Guide to Direct InstructionChapter THREE: First Rate Guide to AssessmentChapter FOUR: First Rate Guide to ProfessionalismCONCLUSIONBonus Section: Using this Book for MentoringAPPENDIXReferencesAbout the author

From First Year to First Rate is a must-read for ALL teachers and administrators. As an educator/administrator for over 24 years. I have been looking for a guide for first-year teachers that goes beyond building student relationships and classroom management. The book is packed with effective instructional strategies, teacher and student rubrics and rating scales that are practical and easy to infuse into daily instruction for teachers and students alike. One of the best books that I have read about hiring and retaining highly effective teachers.