When Brown joined the New York City Teaching Fellows, a program like Teach for America that sends recruits into the hardest-to-staff urban schools, he was excited and nervous about meeting his new class, “4-217.” Unbeknownst to him, 4-217 was the designated “dumping ground” for all the fourth-grade problem cases in the school, which was located in the poorest Congressional district in the country.
As he toiled to teach his students desperately needed basic skills—in addition to preparing for high-pressure state tests—Brown found his good intentions and dedication continuously thwarted by a hostile administration, struggling parents, and a nonexistent budget. One day, reeling from the vice principal’s abrasive criticism and a chaotic classroom, he sent his fist through his chalkboard. Yet amidst the tumult, Brown found a love for teaching, and ultimately discovered the positive difference that he had made in many of his students’ lives.
The Great Expectations School is a rare glimpse into what really goes on in America’s classrooms today.
About the Author
Dan Brown holds a Master’s in education from Columbia University. His writing has appeared in the New York Daily News, Boston Globe, New York Post, and Education Week, among other publications. He contributed a chapter to The American Public School Teacher: Past, Present, and Future, published in 2011 by Harvard University Press. He blogs regularly for the Huffington Post and TransformEd, and currently teaches high school English at the SEED Public Charter School in Washington, DC.
Randi Weingarten (foreword) is currently the president of the American Federation of Teachers, which has 1.5 million members. She lives in New York City.
My Take on the Book
With the fact that my wife was a teacher for a number of years in both urban and suburban environments this book does a tremendous job at capturing the first year of a teaching experience in a school that is all too common within the inner-city. The book was honest and true to the experience and sheds much light on the education system and those that are trying to save it one day at a time. There were so many points where the author has shared truly touching stories as well as humorous ones along the way. This book is a treasure and one that should not only be read, but should also be shared widely!
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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