Inside Mrs. B.'s Classroom : Courage, Hope, and Learning on Chicago's South Side
A respected journalist turned-teacher reveals what's really happening in America's schools
In 1999, Chicago Sun-Times veteran Leslie Baldacci left her prestigious, twenty-five year career to teach at a public school in one of Chicago's roughest South Side neighborhoods.
As she later commented, "I thought I knew rough. I thought I had answers. I didn't know jack."
But Baldacci never looked back, and the result is Inside Mrs. B's Classroom, a compelling, first-hand narrative from the trenches of the inner-city school system that addresses one of society's most critical issues from gritty, daily personal experience.
An expert on Chicago's massive education reform efforts even before she turned in her press credentials, Baldacci adds an informed, intellectual layer to this insightful, engaging work. In an era in which many people talk about wanting to make a difference, Baldacci has done so. Here she shares the whole picture, from the unrealistic expectations to the surprises--good and bad--that make up education today. Above all, she shows how an individual can, did--and continues to--make a difference in the lives of American children.
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Customer Reviews
Rated 5 starsWhat teaching is all about
Baldacci was a journalist for the Chicago Sun-Times and served on their editorial board. Among other things, she wrote about the shortcomings of the Chicago Public School system. Then she decided to put her money where her mouth was (quite literally, she took a two-thirds pay cut), signed on for an alternative teacher certification program, and began teaching in an inner-city grade school. I admit I was skeptical at first...
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Rated 5 starsOne of the best books i've read
This was by far one of the best books i've read - I absolutely couldn't put it down, which doesn't happen often. I'm currently considering going back to grad school to become a teacher here in Chicago so this book was very enlightening. Whether you're a teacher or not, this book is a great read & has great insight into the inner city schools.
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Rated 5 starsInside Mrs B's Classroom
Excellent book, excellent story...amazing experience. Leslie's experiences are incredible. A must read...whether you're a teacher or not. Inside Mrs B's Classroom will have you laughing through your tears. I'm waiting for the made for TV movie!
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Rated 5 starsTelling It Like It Is
A friend told me that I should read this book, and my first thought was, "Why? I teach in the inner city. I was a first year teacher. I don't need to READ about it, I live it!" But, being a bookaholic, I bought it anyway.The short story is that Ms. Baldacci tells it like it is: the story about no soap in the bathrooms is true. I bought soap for my classrooms in the inner city. The story about spending her own money for...
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Rated 5 starsInsightful portrayal of inner city teaching
As a fellow Chicago Public Schools teacher, I found in this book a reflection of my own experiences as a new teacher. While my first assignment was in a more "successful" school I can still relate to her experiences. The book chronicles the trials and tribulations most new teachers experience in a school system where money is nonexsistent, classes are bursting at the seams, red tape is ever-present, and the public and politicians...
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