by Dan Brown
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Product Description
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 wasnÕt 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.
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Average Customer Review:
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 I loved this book, 2008-12-28
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 in extremely funny and sometimes sad detail his first year as a somewhat overwhelmed teacher in the public school system. He is assigned a class that is to say the least a challenge and from the first page of his narrative, you just know that you are in for a terrific ride.
I felt for him as he describes the situation in which some of these children have grown up and the situations in which they are still in.
I really liked the fact that Brown does not judge as he tells us his experiences, but rather tells us with humor and compassion just what it is really like to be a teacher in the US public system.
I admire him for making it through even the first year - I am not sure that I would have been able to make it myself - it does take a certain kind of dedication to do this type of work and still love it and still love the kids and apparently Brown has what it takes.
I also like the fact that as Brown shares his stories, he does not take himself too seriously. This added a definite "fun" element to a book that could have been just another story about the school sytem.
This is a great read and I suggest it for anyone looking for an inspiring, yet funny read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 The Great Expectations School: A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle, 2008-12-27
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 plans to teach.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
A Job Well Done, 2008-10-10
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 amount of money or "desegregation" will erase the problems these children face. Put the responsibility where it belongs and quite blaming everyone and anything else, or nothing will ever get better. Alibi Ike!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
VERY very good book. I definitely recommend, 2008-09-13
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!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
A "Must Read" for Teachers in Urban Schools, 2008-09-06
As a teacher and administrator who has worked in urban schools for almost thirty years, I was amazed at how Dan Brown's experiences and his roller coaster of emotions resonated with me. While I entered the profession at a different time, I always wonder how new teachers like Dan Brown are able to walk into one of today's urban classrooms and teach with confidence and skill. With candor, and at times with humor, Dan Brown's memoir captures the sad truth of public education in urban districts. Kudos to all those teachers and administrators who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of the children who attend these schools, in spite of all the internal and external obstacles. Thank you, Dan Brown, for writing about your experience as "a rookie teacher in the blackboard jungle."
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