Every year new secondary mathematics teachers take up positions in middle and high schools. The luckiest novices receive assistance from a coach or mentor: a master mathematics teacher who makes constructive comments, models effective approaches, and illuminates other practical aspects of teaching secondary math. But many new teachers don't have this advantage and must further their development on their own. If you are one of these teachers, this is the book you need. In these pages, veteran mathematics educators Alfred S. Posamentier, Daniel Jaye, and Stephen Krulik present a treasure chest of ideas to guide new secondary math teachers through the challenging first few months and also provide more experienced teachers with interesting alternatives to familiar methods. The topics covered include * The most effective instructional practices * The best uses of the textbook * Designing successful lessons * Creating homework that promotes learning * Incorporating challenge * Teaching reasoning and problem solving * Strategies for assessment and grading * Specific innovative ideas for teaching key concepts * Options for extracurricular activities * Long-term professional enrichment and growth. It's during the first few years of a teacher's experience that he or she develops the habits, methods, procedures, and techniques that tend to define a career. Exemplary Practices for Secondary Math Teachers provides both a foundation for excellence and a touchstone for years to come.