The Great Expectations School: A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle | 
|  | | | Title: | The Great Expectations School: A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle | | Author: | Dan Brown | | Publisher: | Arcade Publishing | | Type: | Book / Hardcover | | Publication Date: | 20 August, 2007 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 1559708352 / 9781559708357 | | List Price: | $25.95 | | You Save: | $7.01 | | Amazon Price: | $18.94 | |
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| Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
At 22, Dan Brown came to the Bronx's P.S. 85 as an eager, fresh-faced teacher. Unbeknownst to him, his assigned class, 4-217, was the designated "dumping ground" for all fourth-grade problem cases, and his students would prove to be more challenging than he could ever anticipate. Intent on being a caring, dedicated teacher but confronted with unruly children, absent parents, and a failing administration, Dan was pushed to the limit time and again: he found himself screaming with rage, punching his fist through a blackboard out of sheer frustration, often just wanting to give up and walk away. Yet in this seeming chaos, he slowly learned from his own mistakes and discovered an unexpected well of inspiration to discipline and teach and make a difference. The Great Expectations School is the touching journey of Class 4-217 and their teacher, Mr. Brown, but more than that, it is the revealing story of a broken educational system and all those struggling within and fighting against it.
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Customer Reviews:
• Singing In The Rain 02 June, 2008
You gotta sing as you kick them, that's the message of the 20th century. The low expectations of the "Great Expectations School" stand out, but the author persuades us that all is not lost. This author goes a long way toward adding some realism back into the great fantasy known as "all children can learn." When you stop laughing at that, let the author's humor take you even further into the nightmare of public education. Wit is one of the first things to go when you enter this profession. Brown's possession of it is the first sign that this guy wasn't born to be a teacher but rather an observer and commentator. So be it, his astute observations bring out the best and the worst of finest prison system known to man, the New York Public Schools.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2JXAQ92WYPAAR
• A Job Well Done 10 October, 2008
Speaking as a fellow teacher, I applaud Mr. Brown's efforts in his classroom. I especially liked it when he admitted his mistakes - nothing worse than a teacher book where the teacher ALWAYS succeeds 'cause that's not reality. Mr. Brown writes in an engaging manner that reminded me of Tracey Kidder's Among School Children. I do disagree with Mr. Brown on how to solve the inner city crisis - actually, I don't have a solution but I do know that until the parents of these children make better choices, no amount of money or "desegregation" will erase the problems these children face. Put the responsibility where it belongs and quite blaming everyone and anything else, or nothing will ever get better. Alibi Ike!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1GFDAA0YRYQLH
• Beware!!!!!!! 24 January, 2008
Beware this is not Dan Brown the auther of "The Da Vinci Code". Different people!!!!!!!!!
- Reviewed by customer ID: AZEA1S3WQ7S2E
• Very Very Good Book. I Definitely Recommend 13 September, 2008
The Great Expectations was REALLY interesting to read. It went quickly (I finished it in 2 days.) I've recommended it to everyone I know--- I think every responsible citizen should read this story, but especially people who are becoming teachers. It should be required reading. An unblinking look at the reality of life in a tough school: the blood, sweat, tears, laughs, and life-changing rewards. Thank you Mr. Brown!
And Sonandia, you are a true hero!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A33IB5J32AJ5H5
• A "must Read" For Teachers In Urban Schools 06 September, 2008
As a teacher and administrator who has worked in urban schools for almost thirty years, I was amazed at how Dan Brown's experiences and his roller coaster of emotions resonated with me. While I entered the profession at a different time, I always wonder how new teachers like Dan Brown are able to walk into one of today's urban classrooms and teach with confidence and skill. With candor, and at times with humor, Dan Brown's memoir captures the sad truth of public education in urban districts. Kudos to all those teachers and administrators who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of the children who attend these schools, in spite of all the internal and external obstacles. Thank you, Dan Brown, for writing about your experience as "a rookie teacher in the blackboard jungle."
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2XQDT7BKWNDQ
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