From My Classroom to Yours
James Rourke
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Teaching is one of the most written about, discussed, argued and
analyzed professions in the world. Everyone has an opinion on what
works best, from the teachers themselves who meet, conference and
research best practices by the hour to the parents who feel they know
best and the students who think they know what they need. Then add in
administration, school boards and the media into this melee for a
little glimpse of the multitude of viewpoints. James Rourke has added
to the written discussion with "From My Classroom to Yours," his
contribution to the discourse.
His basic premise is admirable and unarguable- every student deserves a
chance, every student deserves a teacher that is willing to try their
best. He feels schools can get trapped in a cycle of apathy and
acceptance instead of starting each new year with strong expectations
of staff and students.
He puts forth a variety of concrete suggestions for dealing with
students, for both academics and behaviors. Teachers will find some to
be old favorites (talk to the students)and a few unique ones. Each
educator will have their own opinion on the effectiveness of the ideas.
His
attempt to compare coaches and teachers will be hotly discussed in many
teachers' rooms. His suggestion to lie to parents about a student's
grade to motivate the student will also prove contoversial.
The book is marketed as a book on avoiding teacher burn out but it has
the opposite effect. It points out the exhausting task of meeting the
educational needs of all students while jugggling behavior, paperwork
and school climate. It is not a light hearted, motivational book,
rather a serious tome of 'reflections on teaching.'