Learners First – GSE Alums’ New Book Provides Guidance to Novice Educators 

With 50 years of teaching experience between them, Dr. Denise Furlong and Dr. Keri Orange-Jones decided to write a “love letter to novice educators” in the form of their new book, Learners First: Purpose and Practicality in Your Early Years of Teaching. 

“I want readers to understand that this book is a springboard to help them become effective educators and create a sustainable career,” Dr. Orange-Jones said. 

The book weaves together perspectives of teachers, educational colleagues, and novice educators, serving as the latest introduction to education guide for student teaching and mentorship programs.  

“We envision this book as one that veteran educators and new teachers can read together and reflect on their growth,” Dr. Furlong said. 

The book’s 10 chapters are written in a casual conversation style, with the first half written by Dr. Orange-Jones and the second half written by Dr. Furlong. The authors aim to encourage readers to listen, observe, and be lifelong learners.  

“It covers many things today’s teachers should know to help them segue into a successful teaching career,” Dr. Orange-Jones said. “It’s merely the tip of the iceberg because education is constantly evolving.”  

Dr. Orange-Jones pursued her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE), where she connected with Dr. Furlong during her dissertation defense on teacher evaluation and self-efficacy.  

“Of all my collegiate experiences, Rutgers is my favorite institution,” Dr. Orange-Jones said. “The level of care I received from my dissertation chair and committee is incomparable. It’s a wonderful institution, and I have wholeheartedly recommended the school to my colleagues and would continue to do so 10 times over.” 

Dr. Furlong received her Ed.M. in Language Education with an ESL certification and her Ed.D. in Literacy Education from the GSE. The Ed.D. degree was a previously offered pathway from the GSE’s Ed.D. program.  

“I hold my head up high with my Rutgers degrees,” Dr. Furlong said. “When looking for a master’s of language education program, the course descriptions at the GSE were exactly what I wanted. The GSE considers what is happening in today’s landscape and prepares teachers for success.” 

Throughout the book, Dr. Furlong and Dr. Orange-Jones emphasize the importance of crafting a classroom climate that encourages continuous learning.  

“Education needs the best and the brightest,” Dr. Furlong said. “It needs people who will use their voices and fight for their students. It all starts in the classroom with the teachers. If the teacher is kind, patient, supportive, and focused on being a learner, then those students will be inspired to do the same.” 

Learners First: Purpose and Practicality in Your Early Years of Teaching can be purchased online through Corwin.