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Anstett, Tom

WORK TITLE: Stop Whining; Start Winning
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 1952?
WEBSITE:
CITY: Frankfort
STATE: IL
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American

RESEARCHER NOTES:

PERSONAL

Born c. 1952.

EDUCATION:

Boston College, B.A., 1973; Northeaster Illinois University, M.A., 1989.

ADDRESS

  • Home - Frankfort, IL.

CAREER

English teacher/tutor, basketball coach, and writer. Glenbrook North High School, Glenbrook IL, English teacher and head basketball coach, 1984-89; York High School, Elmhurst, IL, English chair and assistant basketball coach, 1989-1999; English tutor, Frankfort, IL, 2003-2014;  Lincoln-Way East High School, English Department chair and instructor, 2003-2014, retired; Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL, adjunct faculty, 2014-16; basketball coach, 2014–; Professional Development Alliance, Joliet, IL, consultant and presenter, 2014–; The English Tutor, founder and tutor, Green Bay, WI, 2014–. Also founder, organizer, and coach of the Frankfort Warriors boys traveling basketball team, Frankfort, IL, 2003-08.

AWARDS:

Elected to Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, 2011.

WRITINGS

  • Stop Whining; Start Winning: For Teachers and Coaches, foreword by Pat Sullivan, Windy City Publishers (Rolling Meadows, IL), 2017

SIDELIGHTS

A former English teacher, Tom Anstett is also a basketball coach and has continued his career as an English tutor. Elected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, Anstett was a star basketball player at Quigley North High School in Chicago, Illinois, and also played for the Boston College team. Anstett is the author of Stop Whining; Start Winning: For Teachers and Coaches. The book focuses on Asntett’s philosophy of honest self-reflection for teachers and coaches to help them communicate and inspire both their students and high school athletes while become better teachers and coaches.

In addition to teachers and coaches, Anstett wrote Stop Whining; Start Winning to provide valuable tips to parents and administrators, as well as the general reader. Anstett presents the basic concept of the book, writing: “One should teach more on the court and coach more in the classroom.” The book is divided into sections targeting specific thoughts and advices for teachers and coaches. The book also includes sections that address both. “Practically, the book is part memoir and part handbook in that the author shares examples of things that really happened in schools throughout the United States and at the same time gives insights on how teachers might deal with unmotivated students,” wrote an Online Book Club contributor.

One of Anstett’s discussions provides the title for the book. In his examination of the difference between “whining” and “winning,” Anstett provides numerous examples applicable to students, teachers, and coaches. Anstett emphasizes the difference between thinking you “deserve” something and actually doing the work to “earn” it. According to Anstett, a student claiming he or she “deserves” an A is falling into what could be “a toxic mental detour.” Anstett not only criticizes the “I deserve” attitude but also offers advice to teachers and coaches on how to handle students who fall into this trap. To bolster evidence for this belief, Anstett discusses issues such as entitlement and the importance of a strong work ethic.

Anstett describes what he believes should be the inherent qualities possessed by teachers and coaches. He also touts the benefits of participating in various sports while  describing what he views as the limitations of the certain athletic associations. In addition, Anstett writes about students’ parents and the importance of their being involved in their child’s academic and sports development. For example, he includes a “Letter to Parent” that presents several of his ideas for parents’ involvement.

Throughout, Anstett emphasizes what he calls the three Rs for teachers and coaches, that is, ways to develop relationships, rapport, and rigor with students. He also emphasizes various aspects that make up a good environment for positive discussions. Stop Whining; Start Winning iincludes true stories to further illustrate his ideas an philosophy. Among these stories are Anstett’s own experiences both as a teacher and a coach. 

Stop Whining; Start Winning features many lists, such as a list of how teachers can instill and excite student dedication. Anstett also presents a list of colleagues and mentors whom he regards highly along with a short description of the reasons shy. At certain points in the book, the page is blank. Anstett encourages readers to write down their own thoughts and notes. Anstett even includes poems at certain points. 

Kirkus Reiews contributor called Stop Whining; Start Winning “heartfelt, powerful, and sincere,” adding that it “should prompt serious reflection by teachers and coaches alike.” An Online Book Club website contributor felt the best part of the book was “the discernible passion of the author,” while also pointing out that Anstett’s writing is at times academic and very formal sounding while at other times he writes in a conversational, casual tone.

BIOCRIT
BOOKS

  • Anstett, Tom, Stop Whining; Start Winning: For Teachers and Coaches, Windy City Publishers (Rolling Meadows, IL), 2017.

PERIODICALS

  • Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2018, review of Stop Whining; Start Winning: For Teachers and Coaches.

ONLINE

  • Mekena Patch, https://patch.com/illinois/mokena (May 12, 2011), Tom Ritter, “L-W East Coach Inducted into IL Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.”

  • Online Book Club, https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/ (April 18, 2018), review of Stop Whining, Start Winning

  • Tom Anstett LinkedIn Page, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-anstett-aa0404b/ (July 8, 2018).

  • Tom Anstett website, https://www.teachersrock.solutions/ (July 8, 2018).

  • Stop Whining; Start Winning: For Teachers and Coaches - 2017 Windy City Publishers, Rolling Meadows, IL
  • Mokena Patch - https://patch.com/illinois/mokena/l-w-east-coach-inducted-into-il-basketball-coaches-hall-of-fame

    L-W East Coach Inducted into IL Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame
    Tom Anstett recalls his journey from player to coach and the basketball greats he once played against.
    By Tom Ritter, Patch Staff | May 12, 2011 4:43 pm ET | Updated May 13, 2011 2:10 am ET

    L-W East Coach Inducted into IL Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame
    Between 1965 and 1969, Tom Anstett was a high school basketball standout at Quigley North High School in Chicago.

    As a junior, he averaged 28 points per game, and as a senior, he upped that average to 31. But he didn't start playing basketball in any capacity until he was a sophomore.

    "Until then, I never touched a ball. My high school coach, Bill Schaefer took a chance on me. I was tall, I was shy, but he saw me in gym class. He kept saying 'come out, come out'," Anstett said.

    Anstett, now an Lincoln-Way East assistant varsity head coach and English teacher, was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame late last month. His sophomore season of 1966-67 was a pivotal point in his journey from player to coach.

    "Sometimes, they had to point me in the right direction on which way to shoot. I really learned to like the game that year, even though it was very difficult. I went with it that summer before my junior year and played all the time," he said.

    Part of that learning experience involved guarding fellow IBCA Hall of Fame 2011 player inductee. The player was a senior from Chicago's Weber High School. He was the leading scorer in the Chicago Catholic League that year. He went on to West Point and became a basketball coach at a university in North Carolina. His name? Mike Krzyzewski, better known "Coach K".

    Krzyzewski "was unable to be at the ceremony, so I accepted his award for him and I just put it in the mail today," Anstett said.

    He got better, playing throughout the summer leading into his junior season. Quigley North had good seasons in both of Anstett's seasons as a junior and senior. Anstett finished his tenure at Quigley North with 1,389 career points and went on to Boston College.

    Anstett played for two years under legendary NCAA and NBA coach, Chuck Daly. He played with the likes of former Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien and played in a game against UMass and guard Julius Irving. He also played against Villanova's Howard Porter, Campy Russell at Michigan, and Bob Lanier from St. Bonaventure. He also played against Jim Calhoun in his early years of coaching at Boston's Northeastern University before Calhoun moved on to UConn.

    "It was quite an experience at Boston College. They were independent then. I looked at is as a challenge, and I did as well as I could, especially considering my lack of early experience as a player," Anstett said.

    During his freshman year, freshmen were not able to play at the varsity level. They had their own freshmen team coached by Frank Power, who isn't well known outside New England.

    "Power helped (former BC coach and Celtics star) Bob Cousy write a book about basketball. In fact, Power did most of the writing and Cousy put his name on it, but he was a great coach," Anstett said.

    Anstett brings a unique distinction to Lincoln-Way East.

    "We have an official, a coach, and a player in Illinois halls of fame," Lincoln-Way East Athletic Director Dave Brost said.

    Brost is a member of the Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame as an official, and soccer coach Brian Pappa got his sport's honor a few years ago.

    Anstett lives in Frankfort. His youngest son, T.J., is finishing his junior year at Lincoln-Way East and plays on the basketball team. His older son graduated in 2008.

  • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-anstett-aa0404b/

    Tom Anstett
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    Strive for excellence, not perfection with The English Tutor
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    A quality work ethic is my foundation. I enjoy challenges and supply the direction and patience to see a job through. I believe example is the most powerful teacher. I try to remember the statement by the late, great author Frank McCourt, "If you're teaching and you're not learning, you're not really teaching." I believe that statement supplies foundation for any walk of life-we are all teachers in our own ways.

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    The English Tutor
    Strive for excellence, not perfection with The English Tutor
    Company NameThe English Tutor
    Dates EmployedMay 2014 – Present Employment Duration4 yrs 2 mos
    LocationGreen Bay, Wisconsin Area
    From my four-decade experience as an English teacher, basketball coach, and department chairman, I have been tutoring students (grades 6-12) in one-hour sessions for improvement in any area of English and/or writing skills. In addition, ACT prep for English and Reading has also been a focus. I am willing to travel to students' homes for these sessions.

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    Company NameSelf-employed
    Dates EmployedApr 2017 – Present Employment Duration1 yr 3 mos
    LocationGreen Bay, Wisconsin Area / Chicago, Illinois area
    Ready, willing, and able to address your company, faculty, organization, or team about topics such as teamwork, positive attitude, motivation, etc.

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    Company NameProfessional Development Alliance
    Dates EmployedOct 2014 – Present Employment Duration3 yrs 9 mos
    LocationJoliet. IL
    By creating and presenting workshops for secondary education teachers, my goal is to assist teacher confidence as educators and their students as more confident learners. I am presenting workshops such as, "Instructional Strategies," "Close Reading," "Socratic Seminar," "Writing to Read," and "Collaborative Group Learning" throughout various districts in multiple counties. Very excited about these workshops. Contact the Joliet Professional Development Alliance for more details. We can help teachers teach better!

    Basketball
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    Company NameBasketball
    Dates EmployedJun 2014 – Present Employment Duration4 yrs 1 mo
    LocationGreen Bay, Wisconsin
    I am willing to individually tutor motivated junior high or high school age players in basketball skills. Flexible hours and reasonable rate. I have 41 years of coaching experience, 21 as boys high school head coach.

    Windy City Publishers
    Author
    Company NameWindy City Publishers
    Dates EmployedApr 2017 – Apr 2018 Employment Duration1 yr 1 mo
    LocationRolling Meadows, Illinois
    On April 4, 2017, my book - Stop Whining; Start Winning (for teachers and coaches) was published on Amazon. Hope you can take a look...tips and suggestions for teaching, coaching, and leadership stemming from my four-plus decades in the profession.

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    Education
    Boston College
    Boston College
    Degree NameBA Field Of StudyLiterature
    Dates attended or expected graduation 1969 – 1973

    Activities and Societies: Men's basketball - 4 years
    Majored in English, minor end in Education

    Northeastern Illinois University
    Northeastern Illinois University
    Degree NameMA-Literature Field Of StudyEnglish
    Dates attended or expected graduation 1984 – 1989

    Activities and Societies: IATE (Illinois Association of Teachers of English) NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
    Boston College
    Boston College
    Degree NameBachelor of Arts (B.A.) Field Of StudyEnglish Literature
    Dates attended or expected graduation 1969 – 1973

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    Company NameFrankfort Warriors (boys traveling basketball)
    Dates volunteeredOct 2003 – May 2008 Volunteer duration4 yrs 8 mos
    Cause Children
    I founded the organization, found and prepared coaches, prepared facilities, organized schedules, facilitated budget, coached one team.

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    Bill Leensvaart
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    August 6, 2013, Tom worked with Bill in different groups

    Bill is a real professional who works well with people and prepares well.
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    January 22, 2013, Tom worked with Dan but at different companies

    Dan is a very competent teacher and coach who values detail and precise instruction.
    Accomplishments
    Tom has 2 honors2
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    Honors & Awards
    IBCA Hall of Fame Induction as a coach Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee as a player
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    Type- 75 administration certification
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    English 400 courses
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  • Tom Anstett Home Page - https://www.teachersrock.solutions/resume

    Currently, consulting for ELA teachers through the Joliet Professional Development Alliance.

    Tutoring junior high/high school students in writing skills, English and/or ACT prep readiness and improvement.

    Ordained minister (Universal Life Church).

    Published author in April 2017 (Stop Whining; Start Winning - for teachers and coaches)

    Married (Susan, see right) with two boys (John and T.J.), one daughter-in-law (Kelly,right) one grandson, Noah.

    2014-present

    Retired in May of 2014 but enjoying various endeavors: tutoring, consulting, writing. Also enjoy golf, workouts, dinners with the wife and friends.

    1999 -2014

    For fifteen years I taught, chaired the English department, and coached basketball as an assistant in Lincoln-Way District 210.

    1989-99

    English teacher, head boys basketball coach at Elmhurst-York Community High School.

    1984-89

    English teacher, head boys basketball coach at Glenbrook North High School (Northbrook, Illinois)

    1976-84

    English teacher, head boys basketball coach at Immaculate Conception High School (Elmhurst, Illinois)

    1973-76

    English teacher and assistant basketball at Quigley-Seminary North (Chicago)

    Boston College
    1969-73 B.A. in English

    Northeastern Illinois University

    1984-89 M.A. Literature

    1997 Type-75 Administration

    ABOUT TOM
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Anstett, Tom: STOP WHINING; START WINNING
Kirkus Reviews. (Feb. 15, 2018):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Anstett, Tom STOP WHINING; START WINNING Windy City Publisher (Indie Nonfiction) $14.99 4, 4 ISBN: 978-1-941478-36-3

A debut book exhorts teachers to be better coaches--and vice versa.

Retired high school English instructor/basketball coach Anstett intentionally blurs the line between teaching and coaching in an inspirational, instructional manual that takes a holistic view of secondary education. Sections of the unusual, engaging guide alternate between addressing the specific concerns of each group as the author offers plenty of advice to both teachers and coaches. But he reinforces the basic concept of the book repeatedly: "Oneshould teach more on the court and coach more in the classroom." Early on, Anstett provides a spirited discussion that contrasts "whining" with "winning," using examples of both students and teachers/coaches to demonstrate the difference. For example, when a student whines about deserving an A, the author notes: "High expectations are fine, as long as the work ethic supports those goals....Deserving can become a toxic mental detour." He follows this observation with a few key winning strategies for teachers to deal with the notion of "deserving" good grades. This is the kind of no-nonsense, straightforward advice doled out by Anstett throughout the volume. Parents and the role they play in their child's development do not go unnoticed either. In a "Letter to Parents," the author presents several ideas, among them: "Discuss your child's goals--a great conversation for a Sunday evening each week" and "Stay positive about your child's teachers. Your kids will lean a great deal on your attitude." There is a fair amount of autobiographical meandering, but it is not without purpose; for the most part, Anstett's own story is woven in to make salient points about teaching or coaching. Interestingly, the author is always coaching as he writes, whether it's "eleven ways teachers can instill and excite dedication" or his bulleted list of "Growing 'Vitamins' " that includes such aphorisms as "Never cheat," "Measure people by the size of their heart," and "Don't major in minor things." At various points in the text, a blank page titled "Your Turn" is inserted to encourage readers to share their own thoughts.

Heartfelt, powerful, and sincere; should prompt serious reflection by teachers and coaches alike.

Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Anstett, Tom: STOP WHINING; START WINNING." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Feb. 2018. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A527247947/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=470f914d. Accessed 24 June 2018.

Gale Document Number: GALE|A527247947

"Anstett, Tom: STOP WHINING; START WINNING." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Feb. 2018. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A527247947/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=470f914d. Accessed 24 June 2018.
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    kimmyschemy06
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    Official Review: Stop Whining; Start Winning by Tom Anstett
    Post by kimmyschemy06 » 18 Apr 2018, 00:42

    [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Stop Whining; Start Winning" by Tom Anstett.]
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    3 out of 4 stars
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    Stop Whining; Start Winning: For Teachers and Coaches is an encouraging and inspiring book written by retired teacher and coach, Tom Anstett.

    With foreword by Pat Sullivan, the book is divided into sections, with sections one to three divided into two parts, first part for teachers and second part for coaches, and sections four and five for both. The book also includes an epilogue, acknowledgement and five appendices. Practically, the book is part memoir and part handbook in that the author shares examples of things that really happened in schools throughout the United States and at the same time gives insights on how teachers might deal with unmotivated students. The book includes exercises that the readers can participate in.

    The author discusses very important issues including entitlement, inherent qualities of a teacher and a coach, importance of work ethics, advantages of multi-sport participation, and limitations of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) among others. Moreover, the author gives helpful tips and advice on how to create an environment for good discussion and how to develop relationship, rapport and rigor (3Rs) and shares his personal experiences as a teacher and a coach in dealing with students and parents. Furthermore, the book is filled with beautiful and apparently well-chosen poems like Which Parent Are You? and Drop a Pebble in the Water as well as very interesting stories like the traveler who lost his ticket. Apparently, the author is not just a brilliant teacher and a great coach but also a talented writer. His writing style shifts from formal and academic to casual and conversational. In addition, the author includes a list of his most respected mentors and colleagues and the reasons why he holds them in such high regard.

    For me, the most important part of the book is the discernible passion of the author not just for teaching and coaching, but for writing as well. Needless to say, Mr. Tom Anstett does everything (teaching, coaching, writing, parenting) wholeheartedly, something for everyone to emulate.

    The part I like most about the book is the author’s emphasis on his parents and his parents’ examples. In our present society where people usually opt for what is easy, parents who take time to teach their children the importance of work ethics, respect for people and property, and appreciation and satisfaction for a job well done through example is a rare and commendable thing.

    However, since the book is intended to aid teachers and coaches and is written to serve that purpose, other readers may not appreciate the book as much as teachers and coaches might do. That may limit the overall readership of the book. Moreover, there are noticeable typo errors within the entire book (like how would be able to give, why should be get any homework, and players’ metal, physical and emotional development).

    I, therefore, rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I am a teacher myself and I find the book inspiring, encouraging, well-researched and well-referenced. I recommend it to teachers, coaches and school administrators.

    ******
    Stop Whining; Start Winning
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