The Teacher of the Year Handbook

Congratulations, you’ve been selected as a Teacher of the Year! Being a “TOY” is your golden opportunity to evolve as a teacher-leader. The spotlight is on, and the platform is yours to stand on — so you can spread your message about what matters most to you in education. Now what? How do you navigate this new role? How can you make the most impact? This book, written by Alex Kajitani, a California Teacher of the Year and Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year who’s been through it all — and who has mentored others along the way — is designed to answer your questions, build your public leadership skills, and help you thrive as a TOY, and a teacher-leader, for years to come. Chapter topics include Giving Speeches, Interviewing, Handling Media, Building Your Platform, Networking a Room, Utilizing Social Media, Conferences, Colleague Relationships, TOY-Life Balance, and more. More than 25 Teachers of the Year, including national, state, regional and organizational TOYs, share their first-hand stories and advice. Plus, experts in public speaking, interviewing, media, and work-life balance share their wisdom for TOYs as well. Teachers of the Year are also invited to join Kajitani’s Teacher of the Year Club for continuing conversation and professional development.

Congratulations, you’ve been selected as a Teacher of the Year! Being a “TOY” is your golden opportunity to evolve as a teacher-leader. The spotlight is on, and the platform is yours to stand on — so you can spread your message about what matters most to you in education. Now what? How do you navigate this new role? How can you make the most impact? This book, written by Alex Kajitani, a California Teacher of the Year who’s been through it all — and who has mentored others along the way — is designed to answer your questions, build your public leadership skills, and help you thrive as a TOY, and a teacher-leader, for years to come. Chapter topics include Giving Speeches, Interviewing, Handling Media, Building Your Platform, Networking a Room, Utilizing Social Media, Conferences, Colleague Relationships, TOY-Life Balance, and more. More than 25 Teachers of the Year, including national, state, regional and organizational TOYs, share their first-hand stories and advice. Plus, experts in public speaking, interviewing, media, and work-life balance share their wisdom for TOYs as well. Author Alex Kajitani is the the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is also known around the country as “The Rappin’ Mathematician,” and delivers powerful keynote speeches and workshops to support and motivate teachers. Alex has been featured in numerous books and media outlets, including The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Teachers of the Year are also invited to join Kajitani’s Teacher of the Year Club for continuing conversation and professional development.

Alex Kajitani is the the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is also known around the country as “The Rappin’ Mathematician,” speaks nationally about “Making Math Cool,” and delivers powerful keynote speeches and workshops to support and motivate teachers. His work has been praised by education leader Dr. Harry K. Wong (The First Days of School) as “some of the most creative work I’ve ever seen a teacher do.” Alex has contributed to several education books, including Conversations With America’s Best Teachers and Chicken Soup for Soul: Teacher Tales. He writes a regular column for teachers of at-risk students, and has produced two CDs — The Rappin’ Mathematician and Multiplication Nation — and two workbooks. He has been featured in many media stories, including The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, and has delivered a TED Talk.