Living, Breathing Learners: An Anthology and Guide to a Successful Reading Practicum provides future educators with a purposeful set of best practices for uncovering their individual purpose in literacy education, developing and maintaining relationships with students, and establishing learning community partnerships in the areas of reading that support literacy through collaboration.

This guide is divided into three sections. In the first, Finding Your Purpose, future educators learn the importance of becoming a reflective practitioner, establishing classroom expectations, and leveraging core beliefs to positively shape students’ experiences. Teaching Resources, the second section, includes materials, strategies, and suggestions from veteran teachers about forming and continuing relationships with students. It also features over 50 resources for quality children’s and young adult literature choices, student surveys, and the NCTE/ILA Standards for the Assessment of Reading and Writing. In the final section, Practicum Philosophy, future educators learn student engagement techniques, how home-school partnerships can assist struggling literacy learners, how to encourage parental involvement in literacy education, and more.

Featuring engaging, applicable readings and sound advice for future educators, Living, Breathing Learners is designed to guide students through a thought-provoking and enlightening experience with a reading practicum course.

Dr. Joy Lewis has served in many roles throughout her 18-year career in education. Her experience includes classroom teaching, school administration, and district leadership within the Florida public school system. Dr. Lewis is an associate professor at Daytona State College, where she has served as a developer and facilitator of the LEAD Academy and WAC/WID programs. She earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership and her M.Ed. in reading education from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Lewis has presented at over 20 national conferences discussing educational leadership, school climate reform, and reading performance measures.