Tony Danza, an apology to teachers

So, I have read another book.  When visiting a local bookstore, I picked up Tony Danza's book "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had."  The book is about his year that he spent teaching at a high school in Philadelphia and the A&E production "Teach."

I believe that about half of the stuff in the book would not have happened with out the celebrity Tony Danza; but I also believe that 100% of the stuff in the book would not have happend without Tony Danza, the man.  I believe that Mr. Danza's integrity to the students shines through, and without that, it would just be another celebrity "pet project."

I think Mr. Danza is being sincere in his book.  I think Mr. Danza actually learned what is like to be a teacher in today's environment.  Mr. Danza did not have a "full load;"  he only taught one block (90 minute) class.  Therefore, he did not experience the "real" thing. Mr. Danza realizes this, and he speaks about this in his book.  I applaud him, he has done what a lot of folks have not done, he attempted to "walk" in a teacher's shoes for one year.

The epilogue in the book really does speak to me as a veteran teacher.  Mr. Danza nails the issue directly on the head.

As a teacher, I have been so discouraged by the media, whether it's about a "bad" teacher or situation in a school, but also the back lash we teachers have to deal with in the classroom.  Education is not valued.  The media, TV entertainment, popular music, politicians and pundits do not follow through; yes, they may say education is important, but how do they back that up?  With more complaints about teachers in American classrooms?   We know what it will take.  Where are the people willing to make that happen?  We need more teachers to lower the student-teacher ratio, we need more support in our schools from school boards, administrators, parents, and local communities.  We do not need more rhetoric about data or accountability when the data or reports of accountability are not used in a valid manner.


I'd Like To Apologize To Every Teacher I Ever Had