Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

I cannot say enough about this book.  This should be mandatory reading for everyone involved in education.  It is easy to give this book a “5 Star” rating. Although written for teachers, parents reading THE COMPLETE TEACHER by Dr. Robert Rose will have the tools to help change schools.

Teaching was a means of supporting his family but not his career.  Before he had his master’s degree in psychology, he realized that he could do the most good as a teacher and have fun doing it. He seldom regretted it.

Rose has divided his book into six sections - Self-Development; Classroom Management; Curriculum, Technology; Reading; Parents; Supervision and Other Influences; and Self-Sustaining Classroom.  The latter develops students who are independent, self-motivating, creative, and accept personal responsibility for their actions.
There is an assignment at the end of most of 73 short chapters. He begins by asking readers to self-evaluate by several quizzes and challenges. She should look at why she wants to teach, ask herself whether she is good listener and observer, and can she deal with her personal feelings by being honest, but fair and just.

He stresses the need to observe yourself teaching.  I was recently speaking with a teacher who wasn’t doing well. I asked if he had ever watched himself on video. He stated he would never watch himself.  His teaching has not improved.

I find most of Rose’s ideas to be innovative and can see why he was so effective with every type of student at every grade. He asked why when he failed and learned from his mistakes.  He preaches flexibility with honesty.  He clearly defines the management styles of Coercion, Persuasion, and Negotiation. By learning each student, he knew when and why to use each style.  This, with his very complete guide to steps in discipline, makes classroom management – manageable.

The under use of technology, not just computers and handheld devices, but TV and calculators concerns him.  He discusses technology and how to use it by mindset and changes in the classroom structure. He has seen how many teachers misuse technology by fitting it in without it changing the way they teach.

Reading is the section I was most interested in because I was a reading coach and most of his methods were similar. His techniques and philosophy resulted in special education to gifted students making significant progress.

Throughout the book he shows how teachers, parents, students, and supervisors each sharing sufficient power based on mutual respect maximized their ability to do their job and then to accept personal responsibility for the results.

He continues to help teachers, parents, and students as a Supervising Teacher for a major university.  At 77 (in 2009) his joy in teaching has not diminished and he continues to inspire and encourage students and teachers.