As former teachers, one secondary and one middle grades, who are now teacher educators, we understand the challenge of finding appropriate resources that provide preservice teachers with an encouraging, yet realistic, view of K-12 education. In Essentials of Middle and Secondary Social Studies, Russell, Waters, and Turner have written a text designed to supplement the development of preservice social studies teachers that would be an ideal companion to any middle or secondary methods course. In contrast to educational texts that rely heavily on abstract theories, Essentials combines theory with practical, research-based instructional strategies that preservice teachers can use in their classrooms. The book is also clearly written in a conversational style that methods students would find palatable.
