At 22, Dan Brown was an idealistic first-year elementary teacher at P.S. 85 in the Bronx. He was even assigned a class of his own: 4-217. What he wasn't told was that 4-217 was the dumping ground for all fourth-grade problem cases, and his students would be more challenging than he ever anticipated. Dedicated and passionate but up against volatile children, absent parents, and a failing administration, Dan was pushed to the limit time and again. Yet in this seeming chaos, he discovered an unexpected well of inspiration to discipline, 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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
I loved this book:
For some reason, I like to read memoirs written about school experiences. I have no desire to be a teacher - but I highly admire anyone who is willing to tackle this important and often overlooked profession. Granted, Dan Brown did not necessarily enter the profession in the most direct of routes and certainly did not enter it with a notion that he would change the system, but I think that the sheer fact that he came in through a "back door" actually adds alot of charm to this book. Brown details... more info
The Great Expectations School: A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle:
This was a great book for any teacher or aspiring teacher. I'm going to give it to my niece who is planning to teach in New York City. It not only will give her some insight into what to expect, but will help her to know that whatever she experiences will be similar to what every new teacher goes through in their first years in the profession. As a veteran of more than 20 years of teaching I found the book to be true to reality with humor and compassion thrown in. I'd recommend it to anyone who teaches or... more info
A Job Well Done:
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... more info
VERY very good book. I definitely recommend:
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!
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