Local author provides teacher tips
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Stella Erbes

Moorpark resident Stella Erbes' enthusiasm for the teaching trade, as well as her own experiences as a classroom teacher who became a university professor, prompted her to write a book which shares practical insights into the world of teaching.

"What Teachers Should Know But Textbooks Don't Show" was released in December. The book is intended to fill in gaps for new teachers because much information is missing from college textbooks or is not commonly presented in a clear, concise and friendly manner, said the local author.

Erbes began her teaching career at Peach Hill Elementary School in the early 1990s. She went on to teach Spanish at Moorpark High before moving to Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village during the private school's inaugural year.

She earned her PhD in educational psychology and master's degrees in education and Spanish from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Erbes is now an assistant professor in the teacher education department at Pepperdine University, where she teaches courses in educational psychology and secondary teaching methods, and supervises student teachers.

The former local educator channels her passion for teaching into preparing teachers, said Donna Fulgham, a national board certified Moorpark High School English instructor who contributed addendums to Erbes' work.

New teachers search for the practical knowledge that the veterans of their profession possess, including critical bits of information that can only be achieved through experience, said Erbes.

"The book peels back the curtains that often cover the behindthescenes work that teachers must do to be successful in their challenging profession," Fulgham said.

Erbes is a one of those magical teachers who has much energy and who loves children and the craft of educating, said Marilyn Green, director of grants, assessment and special projects for the Moorpark Unified School District.

"Teaching is about more than skills and strategies; it is about relationships and passion," she said.

Among many other things, Erbes provides helpful tips on how new educators can start to make positive impressions on their pupils even before they meet. New elementary school teachers can make a personal connection with individual students if they send a postcards to the children saying that they look forward to meeting them, Erbes writes.

Taking time to learn each student's name and having a fun activity in class or an assignment to get to know the personal side and learning style of each student are also imperative.

For many new and experienced teachers at the secondary level, grading can be a daunting task, Erbes said. She offers helpful tips to enable teachers to make the demanding task more manageable by having pupils assist in the process.

New teachers must also learn to use all the resources available to them at the school, she said.

"Don't isolate yourself in your classroom--discipline yourself to take a break and eat with your colleagues--you will learn a lot about the school's culture, special activities and hidden resources," Erbes suggested.

For more information about Erbes' book or to purchase a copy, visit www.corwinpress.com.