The Accidental Teacher | A Practical Guide for Professionals

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Asked to Teach? Start Here.

Whether you've been asked to lead a workshop, train new hires, coach a colleague, or explain your process to the team, this book is for you. The Accidental Teacher is a practical and empowering guide for professionals who find themselves teaching—without ever being trained to do so.

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What This Book Gives You

Tools to teach, mentor, or coach with clarity and confidence
Clear explanations of how adults actually learn (without jargon)

Ready-to-use tips and checklists—no experience required
Smart strategies for preparing sessions, giving feedback, and building trust

Solutions for real-world challenges: no time, no support, tricky audiences
Encouragement, not theory—from a world-renowned education expert

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Who It's For

Managers and team leads expected to onboard or upskill others
Mentors and peer coaches supporting colleagues in informal ways

Subject-matter experts suddenly tasked with training others
Professionals in healthcare, education, government, NGOs, and beyond

Small business owners who wear every hat, including "trainer"

If you've ever been told "Just show us how you do it"—this book is for you.

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What's Inside: Table of Contents

15 practical chapters covering everything you need to know about teaching, training, and mentoring—without the education jargon.

Introduction – Why This Book Matters

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Part 1: Getting Started

1 Accidental Teaching
2 Emergency Teaching
3 Clarifying Expectations
4 Adult Learning

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Part 2: Preparing & Delivering

5 Planning Sessions
6 Delivering Sessions
7 Encouraging Participation

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Part 3: Different Formats

8 Facilitating Workshops
9 Giving Presentations
10 Mentoring and Coaching

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Part 4: Resources & Feedback

11 Creating Resources
12 Giving Feedback
13 Getting Feedback

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Part 5: Moving Forward

14 Managing Difficulties
15 Looking Ahead

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What Makes This Book Different

This isn't a book about becoming a certified teacher. It's a lifeline for people who are expected to teach but were never trained to. It gives you just enough theory to understand what works, paired with clear, immediately usable strategies—no education degree required.

Built on the foundations of the internationally recognized Teacher Leadership course, this book distills years of real-world experience and research. The course was recently featured in the Leader Report for its impact on workplace learning and development.

15 Practical Chapters

34 Books by Author

1000+ Professionals Helped

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What Readers Are Saying

I had to train our new hires last-minute with zero experience. This book was like a fire extinguisher and a warm blanket all in one.

Alex R., Operations Manager

Finally—a teaching book that speaks to people like me. No fluff, just clear advice and useful tools I actually use.

Mina D., NGO Coordinator

I've spent 15 years managing people and still learned more in one chapter than in most PD courses I've attended.

Daniel T., Regional Sales Lead

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About the Author

Dr. Hayo Reinders

Senior Professor of Education, author of 34 books, and a globally recognized expert in how people learn. He's helped thousands of professionals—from managers to volunteers—become more effective, confident teachers in the workplace.

This book brings his decades of research and experience into one practical, accessible guide.

🎁 Exclusive Bonus Offer

FREE Bonus Online Course Included!

Get a FREE bonus online course on facilitating workshops with your purchase of the book! Master the skills you need to run engaging, effective workshops with confidence.

Also available from the same author:

Facilitating Workshops - Available from Bloomsbury