How to be a Brilliant Teacher: 1 - Softcover

We begin in earnest by offering two questions for your consideration: First, what do you think parents reply when asked what they want for their own children? You won t be surprised to learn that their answers are, in priority order, happiness , confidence , a great life , satisfaction , contentment , health and security . And second, what do schools teach? The same parents answer: thinking skills , maths , subjects , literacy and test-taking . There appears to be no overlap at all. We re teaching kids how to be successful in subjects in the hope that they get a good job and achieve some of the qualities that their parents hoped for. As Martin Seligman says, Schools pave the boulevard toward adult work . This book goes beyond subjects . We want to encourage you to help pave the boulevard towards flourishing children. To do so, we ask you simply to consider the concept of positive education . As it says on the cover, read, do and inspire.

Gary Toward has been Headteacher of South Wigston High School in Leicestershire for more than ten years. He has taught students aged between 10 and 19 at seven schools across the country, and his experience includes co-leading a Pupil Referral Unit out of Special Measures . With what little time he has spare, Gary climbs mountains, skis, plays football and is a season ticket holder at Leicester Tigers. Chris Henley is a specialist languages teacher with thirty years experience in three UK Secondary Schools. As a senior leader in charge of Specialist Arts Status in South Wigston High School, in Leicestershire, he played a major role in the school being judged as outstanding by Ofsted. He is a passionate believer in the young people of today, as well as a golfer, keen cricketer and qualified umpire. Andy Cope describes himself as a professional trainer, qualified teacher, author and learning junkie . He is currently studying for a Doctorate at the University of Loughborough, investigating the science of happiness and positivity. He has delivered The Art of Being Brilliant workshops to rave reviews in businesses and schools throughout the UK, Middle East and Southern Africa. He is the author of Being Brilliant, A Brilliant Life and The Art of Being Brilliant, published by Capstone in autumn 2012.