The intent of this book is to provide you with current, usable information so you can manage your classroom to the best of your ability, enjoy professional success, and have a little fun with your students. But it's possible that this book may actually have overwhelmed you with its discussions of specific classroom-management issues, methodologies, and strategies.

Certainly, there are thousands of alternative careers in the world. You might even make more money and gain more societal prestige if you decide to work as an engineer, doctor, lawyer, scientist, nurse, businessperson, writer, or thousands of other honest trades.

Having acknowledged all that, don't forget — and this can't be repeated too many times — that teaching, for all its travails and sacrifices, frequently seems to have the magical effect of keeping many teachers young at heart. Mentally compare your teaching colleagues with other professionals whom you know and you may be surprised to see that teachers seem to be somewhat younger, more energetic, more open minded, and more interested in current events and new ideas than a lot of other professionals.

That's what happens when you teach: The kids' youthful energy rubs off on you. And it happens every day. Good luck, and may you decide to continue working in this most magnificent of professions for the rest of your days.