Letters to a Young Teacher

I am still reading this book and am finding it to be very helpful and engaging. It should be inspirational to both young and older teachers alike because it is very hopeful in the message that if the teacher is creative and positive and holds out high expectations for the child, the greatest degree of instruction and learning is nearly always possible to attain and everyone can feel fulfilled. No obstacle is too great to overcome with the right attitude and approach. Any teacher who needs a boost or a push in the right direction should be encouraged to read this book!

As one who works with teachers and visits inner city school classrooms on a regular basis, I can say that Jonathan Kozol accurately describes the problems in our schools today. He convincingly demonstrates that "No Child Left Behind" not only fails to promote real, sustainable school reform, but actually supports the forces driving schools (and society) back to segregation and inequality not so different from the time before Brown vs. the Board of Education. At the same time, his letters celebrate the many ways that innovative teachers instill hope and a love of learning in their young charges, despite these conditions. Every teacher would find some value in this book, because practices like the ones Kozol describes are not taught in many schools of education today.

This book is an inspiration for teachers, young and seasoned, people thinking of going into teaching and even retired teachers like myself!It is never too late to realize that the problems of inner city schools are huge but not insurmountable. Kozol makes an eloquent case.

This Kozol book was excellent! It's so sad to hear stories about how high-stakes testing and NCLB has negatively impacted our education system. However, the public needs to hear about all of these situations Kozol mentioned and not be afraid to stand up for what is right. This is a must read for beginning teachers! I know it helped me!!

I haven't read all the book yet, but so far it's a joy - only in the way Jonathon Kozol can be! I wouldn't miss reading a Kozol book, and I've already got a good supply for holiday gifts coming up soon! The epilog is a moving and beautiful tribute to Fred Rogers. Thank you, Jonathon!