Consumer Critique: The Great Expectations School

Several decades ago, Evan Hunter wrote a book called, "The Blackboard Jungle" which was turned into a film (and also has been re-published). This book chronicled the life of a teacher struggling to educate tough kids who seemed like that was the last thing they wanted.

Now, Dan Brown (not the Da Vinci Code guy, a different one) has come out with The Great Expectations School: A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle. In a way, it's an updated version of the same theme. In another way, it's completely different.

Education has changed drastically in the past 50 years. It's even changed a lot from when I was in high school (I'm currently teaching online, which is something that didn't exist at that point). Dan Brown takes us through his experiences as a rookie teacher in a "dumping ground" classroom. He struggles with all the things first-year teachers struggle with, only it's even more severe, since most first-year teachers have a fairly well-blended classroom. The book is honest, thought-provoking, and even sometimes a bit surprising. Not every teacher experiences what he did, but everyone will find something they can connect with - I know I did!

It's also an honest look at the education system itself, which makes it worth reading not just for teachers and administrators, but also for parents - both those who are frustrated with the current educational system, and those who are just curious for a deeper look at what some teachers go through.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate my review.