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What People Are Saying...
It was a pleasure to serve as State Superintendent of Schools the year Bill Cecil was chosen to represent the fantastic Michigan teachers as “Teacher of the Year!” Bill has a contagious, “can do attitude” that helps propel students and adults forward to accomplish the task at hand. Perhaps the highest praise I can give to Bill is that I only wish my children could have had him as their teacher! Michigan is blessed to have many great teachers, and Bill is at the top of the class.
— Tom Watkins
President and CEO, TDW & Associates
Michigan Superintendent of Schools, 2001-2005 |
Bill Cecil’s Best Year Ever! was one of the most practical and energizing presentations I have attended as a teacher. Bill’s dynamic ability to relate his experiences with his message captivated my attention. I was able to use much of his TEAMS concept in my classroom immediately. I also began my classes the following semester, encouraging my students to have their Best Year Ever! by focusing on Bill’s three components: Attendance, Attitude, and Effort. Identifying three simple yet essential components of a student’s classroom responsibilities in such a way allowed for two things to happen: my students had three attainable goals on which to focus, and I had three areas to assist my students in improving. This combination helped to foster a positive classroom experience for all involved. As a new principal, I plan to implement these same concepts with my staff members and their classrooms.
— Timothy Fulcher
High School Math Teacher, Hazel Park, Michigan |
I began using the Best Year Ever! program in my third year of teaching. Before that, I had used a combination of strategies that just worked okay. Best Year Ever! has given me a foundation to my classroom management style. Everything else (curriculum, creativity) builds from there. It is something that gets me excited every year and brings students the power they have within themselves. It focuses on positive thinking, goal setting and, most important, a belief in self. Students are able to take the skills learned in my classroom and apply them to all areas of their lives.
— Laura Smith
5th Grade Teacher, Waverly Community School District, Michigan |
Bill’s attention to detail on the things that count in the classroom make this book a necessary item for all beginning teachers’ desks. I would add that no matter how many years experience you have teaching, this book will inspire you to always make this year and every year the “Best Year Ever!”
— Richard Comar
Middle School Math Teacher, Detroit Public Schools |
I have had the privilege of attending Bill Cecil’s Best Year Ever! seminars. These seminars have been inspirational, not only for me as a teacher, but for my students as well. Since adopting Best Year Ever!’s proactive philosophy, I am amazed at the difference in both my teaching style and in the overall classroom atmosphere. I have become much more confident as a teacher, and look forward to each new year that awaits me. I feel blessed to have been introduced to the Best Year Ever! program.
-Margaret Hansen-Wood
2nd Grade Teacher, White Pine Academy, Leslie, Michigan |
I have first-hand knowledge of the strategies Bill Cecil provided to our K-12 teaching staff. His in-service was by far the best we’ve ever had in my twelve years as superintendent. Our beginning teachers to our veteran teachers are using his team building strategies in their classrooms. Bill has explained how the positive classroom environment can lead to more rigor, relevance, and relationships that are needed in today’s education world.
— Denny Chartier
Superintendent, Iron Mountain Public Schools |
Using Best Year Ever! for three years has taught me the essential ingredients for building a winning classroom community. As a teacher, not only am I responsible for delivering the curriculum, I also reinforce teamwork, cooperation, goal setting, accountability, and a sense of being the best person you can be, as well as doing my best to enjoy each and every day. Aren’t these the real skills needed to have a positive, productive, and successful life?
— Denise Kehren
6th Grade Teacher, Waverly East Intermediate School, Lansing, Michigan |
The 21st Century new teacher needs as many tools in their box as they can acquire. Bill Cecil has presented at our Future and New Teachers Conference twice in the last three years. His message, his passion for teaching, and his practical teaching tips are echoed often by our new preservice teachers. Without a doubt, he has tried and true information and it is refreshing, as an educator, to hear preservice teachers use his ideas and suggestions. More important, Bill’s ideas are effective.
— Mary C. Belknap
Teacher Education Coordinator/Professor, Jackson Community College;
National Association of Community Colleges in Teacher Education Preparation |
Bill Cecil’s book Best Year Ever! Winning Strategies to Thrive Your First Years In the Classroom is a life-saver for new teachers. It includes many tips and strategies that REALLY work! Last year, as a new teacher, I continuously struggled with classroom management. As I integrated Bill’s strategies into my own teaching, I watched my children thrive off their own personal successes and the successes of their peers. They developed pride and responsibility for themselves and this in turn created a learning community with minimum behavioral disruptions. With the success and integration of the Best Year Ever! strategies into my own classroom, my management program NOW works for me. Teaching has become a rewarding career choice, and I am grateful to be part of this wonderful profession.
— Jennifer Sovey
1st Grade Teacher, Zela Davis Elementary School, Hawthorne, California |
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Testimonials 
