Road to Teaching: The Ultimate Guide From Student to Confident Educator
Paperback
CareersGeneral EducationTeaching Instruction
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jul 26 2025
Pages: 316
Weight: 0.93
Height: 0.66 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Becoming a teacher means navigating teacher preparation, surviving student teaching, passing the edTPA, acing the interview, and landing your first classroom job - all while staying focused on the work that matters. Road to Teaching is the practical, all-in-one field guide that walks you through every stage.
Now in its expanded 2025 edition, this 316-page guide brings together two decades of insider knowledge from a teacher preparation professor who has helped thousands of teacher candidates make the transition from uncertain student to confident educator.
Inside you'll find clear, actionable guidance on:- Getting the most out of your teacher preparation program
- Mastering the edTPA with proven strategies and real examples
- Excelling during student teaching - from day one through final evaluation
- Building a standout teacher resume, cover letter, and portfolio
- Preparing for the teacher interview with 100+ real questions and frameworks for answering them
- Navigating your first year and avoiding the burnout traps that derail new teachers
Road to Teaching leaves no stone unturned in the journey to becoming a teacher. Dr. Hougan covers all the nuances from preparation through the interview process. A practical guide that helps build well-rounded, thoughtful educators. - Shannon Peña, Veteran Educator
Dr. Hougan articulates what it takes to prepare for the profession. I've applied his practices in my own teaching, and being able to come into the classroom more prepared is the best feeling. Practical and supportive. - Alex Castro-Wilson, Elementary Teacher
Why this book is different:Most education textbooks focus on theory. This one gives you the practical playbook - the strategies, scripts, and frameworks experienced educators wish they'd had as candidates. Every chapter combines real-world examples with concrete next steps you can apply immediately.
About the author: Dr. Eric Hougan is a professor of teacher education at Central Washington University, a former K-12 classroom teacher, and a National Board Certified Teacher. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and has spent over two decades preparing the next generation of educators.
Ideal for education majors, career-changers entering teaching, student teachers, edTPA candidates, and anyone preparing for their first teacher interview.
Also in
Teaching Instruction
How to Educate a Citizen: The Power of Shared Knowledge to Unify a Nation
Hirsch, E. D., Jr.
Hardcover
Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America's Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope
Eversmann, Matt
Patterson, James
Hardcover
Teach Like a Champion 3.0: 63 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College
Lemov, Doug
Paperback
Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention
Bay-Williams, Jennifer
Kling, Gina
Paperback
The Power of the Socratic Classroom: Students. Questions. Dialogue. Learning.
Fischer, Charles Ames
Paperback
AI Literacy in Any Class: Preparing Students to Thrive in an AI Future in Any Grade Level or Content Area
Miller, Matt
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 2 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 4 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects
Sedita, Joan
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 3 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management
Smith, Dominique
Fisher, Douglas
Frey, Nancy
Paperback
First Little Readers Parent Pack: Guided Reading Level a: 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers
Charlesworth, Liza
Schecter, Deborah
Paperback
Setting Limits in the Classroom, 3rd Edition: A Complete Guide to Effective Classroom Management with a School-Wide Disciplineplan
Stanzione, Lisa
MacKenzie, Robert J.
Paperback
Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning
Wexler, Natalie
Paperback
Mtss for Reading Improvement: A Leader's Tool Kit for Schoolwide Success (Reading Science in Action: An Mtss Tool Kit)
Stollar, Stephanie
Brown, Sarah
Paperback
Math Practice Workbook Grades 6-8: 1000+ Questions You Need to Kill in Middle School by Brain Hunter Prep
Brain Hunter Prep
Paperback
Reading Assessment Done Right: Tools and Techniques for Data-Driven Instruction
Winn, Kate
Stollar, Stephanie
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 5 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Thank You, Teachers: True Stories from America's Teachers, Our Last Line of Defense and Our First Line of Hope (Large Print Edition)
Eversmann, Matt
Patterson, James
Paperback
The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy: Integrating Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Instruction in Grades 5-12
Sedita, Joan
Paperback
The Reading Strategies Book 2.0: Your Research-Based Guide to Developing Skilled Readers
Serravallo, Jennifer
Paperback
The Resistance Solution: Why Educators Resist Change and What They Need Instead
Silver, Becca
Paperback
Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom
Souers, Kristin
Hall, Pete
Paperback
A Visual, Step-By-Step Guide for Re-Envisioning Rigor: Powerful Routines for Promoting Learning at High Levels
Eisberg, Aaron
McDowell, Michael
Paperback
Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction
Muhammad, Gholdy
Paperback
The Essential Homeschool Kindergarten Workbook: 135 Fun Curriculum-Based Activities to Build Reading, Writing, and Math Skills!
Lewallen, Hayley
Paperback
Creating a Language-Rich Math Class: Strategies and Activities for Building Conceptual Understanding
Atkins, Sandra L.
Paperback
Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives: How Students' Reading Achievement Has Been Held Back and What We Can Do about It
Shanahan, Timothy
Paperback
Enhancing Professional Practice: The Framework for Teaching
Kappes, Lee
Danielson, Charlotte
Furman, Jim S.
Paperback
Learn to Read Activity Book: 101 Fun Phonics Lessons to Teach Your Child to Read
Braun, Hannah, M. Ed
Paperback
Calligraphy Book for Beginners: Practice Workbook with Guide - Basic Techniques, Hand Lettering and Projects for Learning to Letter
Memoirs, Quillscribe
Paperback
The Fundamental 5 For Instructional Rigor: Five Fundamental Practices To Power Up Student Thinking
Cain, Sean
Paperback
Total Participation Techniques: Making Every Student an Active Learner
Himmele, Pérsida
Himmele, William
Paperback
Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning
Watson, C. Edward
Bowen, José Antonio
Paperback
Facing the Fantasy, Finding the Way Forward: Every Educator's Guide to Moving Beyond Behavior Management to Lasting Behavioral Change Using Neuroscien
Bowman, Doris
Bowman, Rick
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Reading Comprehension Grade 1 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
Making Things Right: Activities that Teach Restorative Justice, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Discipline That Restores Includes 32 De
Claassen, Roxanne Harvin
Claassen, Ron
Paperback
The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades
Hochman, Judith C.
Wexler, Natalie
Paperback
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation: An Easy-To-Use Guide with Clear Rules, Real-World Examples, and Reproducible Quizzes
Kaufman, Lester
Straus, Jane
Paperback
180 Days(tm) Reading for Fifth Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Kopp, Kathleen N.
Kopp, Kathy
Levsey, Dylan
Paperback
Story of the World, Vol. 1: History for the Classical Child: Ancient Times
Bauer, Susan Wise
Paperback
Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2, Bilingual Edition - English/Spanish
Fisher, Richard W.
Paperback
Teaching Writing Through Differentiated Instruction with Leveled Graphic Organizers
McMackin, Mary C.
Witherell, Nancy L.
Paperback
Greek Myth Plays, Grades 3-5: 10 Readers Theater Scripts Based on Favorite Greek Myths That Students Can Read and Reread to Develop Their Fluency
Pugliano, Carol
Pugliano-Martin, Carol
Paperback
Small Groups, Big Results: Evidence-Based Routines to Get Every Child Reading
Lindsey, Julia
Paperback
Thinking Critically about What Matters: A Punk Rock Guide
Klipfel, Lyndsay
Klipfel, Kevin Michael
Paperback
The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading: Translating Research to Reignite Joy and Meaning in the Classroom
Lemov, Doug
Driggs, Colleen
Woolway, Erica
Paperback
New Art and Science of Teaching: More Than Fifty New Instructional Strategies for Academic Success
Marzano, Robert J.
Paperback
Specially Designed Instruction: Increasing Success for Students with Disabilities
Beninghof, Anne M.
Paperback
The Vocabulary Workbook for 7th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) Test Practice: Grade 4 English Language Arts Literacy (ELA) Practice Workbook and Full-length Online A
Learning, Lumos
Njsla Test Prep, Lumos
Paperback
Explicit Direct Instruction (Edi): The Power of the Well-Crafted, Well-Taught Lesson
Hollingsworth, John R.
Ybarra, Silvia E.
Paperback
The Active Learning Revolution: Dynamic Engagement Strategies for Every Classroom
Biegun, Daniel
Paperback
Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners
Souers, Kristin Van Marter
Hall, Pete
Paperback
Making Words Stick: A Four-Step Instructional Routine to Power Up Orthographic Mapping
Ness, Molly
Miles, Katie Pace
Paperback
The Megabook of Fluency, 2nd Edition: Strategies and Texts to Engage All Readers
Cheesman Smith, Melissa
Rasinski, Timothy V.
Paperback
Powerful Writing Structures: Brain Pocket Strategies for Supporting a Year-Long Writing Program
Gear, Adrienne
Paperback
Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator
Burgess, Dave
Paperback
Next Steps in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions
Smartt, Susan, PH. D.
Glaser, Deborah, Ed D.
Paperback
MARYLAND TEST PREP MCAP Practice Test Book English Language Arts Grade 5: Preparation for the MCAP ELA/Literacy Assessments
Hawas, M.
Donovan, Mitchell
Paperback
Scholastic Success with Multiplication & Division Grade 3 Workbook
Scholastic Teaching Resources
Paperback
ASVAB Study Guide Premium, Fourteenth: 8 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's Test Prep)
Duran, Terry L.
Paperback
The Writing Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Writers
Serravallo, Jennifer
Paperback
180 Days(tm) Reading for Fourth Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Slepian, Curtis
Kemp, Kristin
Paperback
The English Grammar Workbook for Adults: A Self-Study Guide to Improve Functional Writing
Digiacomo, Michael
Paperback
101 Answers for New Teachers and Their Mentors: Effective Teaching Tips for Daily Classroom Use
Breaux, Annette
Paperback
Instructional Rounds in Education: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning
City, Elizabeth A.
Elmore, Richard F.
Fiarman, Sarah E.
Paperback
Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Potter, Jean
Stier, Samuel Cord
Paperback
50 Graphic Organizers for Reading, Writing & More: Reproducible Templates, Student Samples, and Easy Strategies to Support Every Learner
Modlo, Marcia
Bromley, Karen
DeVitis, Linda Irwin
Paperback
Universal Design for Learning in English Language Arts: Improving Literacy Instruction Through Inclusive Practices
Hinkle, Ryan
Parker, Brianne
Novak, Katie
Paperback
The Structured Literacy Playbook: Preplanned Lessons for Building Phonics and Fluency Skills
Gannon, Sarah
Osburn, Alexandria
Orkin, Melissa
Paperback
The Empowered ELA Teacher: Be the Teacher You Want to Be, Do Great Work, and Thrive
Cannata, Jessica
Mitchell, Caitlin
Paperback
Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: 50 Amazing, Bubbly, and Creative Science Experiments to Do with the Whole Family
Calandrelli, Emily
Hardcover
Universal Design Daily: 365 Ways to Teach, Support, & Challenge All Learners Using UDL
Kluth, Paula
Paperback
Discipline with Dignity, 4th Edition: How to Build Responsibility, Relationships, and Respect in Your Classroom
Curwin, Richard L.
Mendler, Allen N.
Mendler, Brian D.
Paperback
The Science of Reading in Action: Brain-Friendly Strategies Every Teacher Needs to Know
Hollowell, Malia
Paperback
Executive Skills and Writing Instruction: Developing Self-Regulated, Thinking Writers
Laud, Leslie E.
Paperback
180 Days(tm) Reading for Second Grade, 2nd Edition: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Sturgeon, Kristi
Schwartz, Heather
Schwartz, Heather E.
Paperback
Strive-For-Five Conversations: A Framework That Gets Kids Talking to Accelerate Their Language Comprehension and Literacy
Cabell, Sonia
Zucker, Tricia
Paperback
Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything (and Nothing) in Teaching and Learning
Bialik, Maya
Nilsson, Peter
Paperback
Rock Your Literacy Block: Mighty Moves to Organize Your Day and Optimize Student Learning
Kemeny, Lindsay
Paperback
Interacting with Color: A Practical Guide to Josef Albers's Color Experiments
Horstman, Fritz
Paperback
180 Days(tm) Science for Sixth Grade: Practice, Assess, Diagnose
Bayne, Bebra
Homayoun, Lauren
Paperback
7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-To-3 Reading Success
Kemeny, Lindsay
Paperback
Daily Word Ladders Content Areas, Grades 4-6
Cheesman Smith, Melissa
Rasinski, Timothy V.
Smith, Melissa Cheesman
Paperback
