Chalk Dust: A Teacher's Marks

A collection of funny, sad and poignant columns from a seventh-grade teacher and administrator who strives to make a difference in his students' lives. From "Joni's Tears" to "Chewing Gum, Lipstick, and a B," Ellison offers honest and thought-provoking takes on the classroom.

The author is a columnist for The Argus, a San Francisco Bay Area newspaper. He teaches seventh-grade English and history at Barnard-White Middle School in Union City, California. He also co-teaches the Social Studies Methods Course for new teachers at California State University, Hayward.