This book is one of the few I've seen that is specifically targeted at middle school teachers and their unique classroom management challenges. I bought this book because the author is, like me, a middle school math teacher, but his suggestions are good for any secondary teacher. His suggestions are concrete, and practical - even in a school without ideal students or ideal administrators. Rather than vague suggestions like, "Have a positive attitude," this book talks about specific situations that are likely to arise and how to handle them. Buy this book!

Rubinstein may hope that first year teachers will read his book and not make the mistakes he made, but chances are the readers who pick up his book already have completed their first year. While this book does not give an encyclopedic array of tips like the "First Days of School", it is a funny and reflective treatise on classic first teacher mistakes. I used it as part of my summer "therapy" after a disasterous first year -- it helped me get over being a complete failure and start thinking about how I was going to approach my second year.

The other books on the subject (and I've read the top seven or so) are all too theoretical, dense, boring, and advocate techniques that simply don't work in an out-of-control secondary class. "First Days of School" is one of the few books that is decent in terms of practicality and readability. However, it is too elementary-focused for secondary teachers. Also, it advocates a standard pattern of incremental steps (writing names on the board with checks and so on).

As Rubinstein points out - relying on this type of pattern of incremental discipline in an out-of-control classroom is like trying to slay a dragon with a fly swatter. This author also sets himself apart from the competition by focusing on how appearance and techniques lead you to be respected as a "Real Teacher."

Let's say you are (like me), the instructor for a graduate course for new teachers. If you assign this book, "Assertive Discipline," and "Discipline with Dignity," I guarantee you that the only one most of the new teachers will actually finish reading is "Reluctant Disciplinarian."

He does not tell you how to make the transformation from reluctant to strong willed. I figured he would have some words of advice or to think of something else when the class is out of control or arguing back............. but he doesnt.

He does tell what does work and what doesnt work which is a start but not an end all do all to master the classroom.

In the spring semester of 2004, Mr. Rubinstein was my trigonometry teacher. For those of you in New York state, that's the equivalent of the last term of Sequential Math III or the last term of the Math B curriculum. Being a tenth grader at the time, I found his methods of teaching to be one of the best. Not only did I enjoy being a student in his class, but I also enjoyed learning math and because of him, I continued to pursue advanced math classes.

When he made a mistake, he was never afraid to let us correct him. He is a humble man and is able to connect with his students on a personal level. There was never anything fake about him.

Now that I am a senior in Stuyvesant HS, I look back and see that I never had a math teacher, or teacher of any subject, quite like Mr. Rubinstein. There are only a few teachers like him and I feel lucky to have been taught by him.

If his book is anything like the way he teaches, then many people will learn from him by reading this book.