The Accidental Teacher Book Cover

The Accidental Teacher

A Primer for Non-Teachers Asked to Train, Mentor, or Coach

🎬 Introduction Video

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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Asked to Teach? Start Here.

Download a free chapter from The Accidental Teacher and get immediate tools
for planning your next session—even with zero prep time.

Whether you’ve been asked to run a workshop, explain a process, or onboard a new team member, this sample chapter gives you practical, fast-start tools to teach effectively—without being a professional teacher.

Inside this free chapter, you’ll learn:

- A 3-step method for planning a session with no time

- The “Know–Feel–Do” framework to stay focused

- How to avoid common mistakes that derail learning

Download

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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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Are you a librarian, reviewer, educator, blogger, or podcast host?

I’d be delighted to share a complimentary review copy of The Accidental Teacher  with you. This book is designed for professionals who find themselves asked to teach, train, or mentor—without formal teaching experience. It offers practical tools, fast-start frameworks, and confidence-building strategies, backed by decades of educational research and frontline practice.

You’ll receive:

  • A full PDF of the book (for personal or institutional review)
  • A media kit with cover images, author bio, and description
  • Optional: a print copy (for libraries or formal review outlets)

Whether you’re curating a staff development collection, reviewing for your publication, or preparing an interview, I’ll provide everything you need.

To request a copy, please email info@innovationinteaching.org

(Include your name, role, organization, and how you plan to use the book.)

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About the Author

Dr. Hayo Reinders

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!

Effective Workshop Facilitation Course

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

Facilitating Workshops - Available from Bloomsbury

Get the Book

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Get the eBook Directly

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Buy via Bookshop.org - $29.99

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Available Formats