Introduction
The book ‘Letters to a young teacher’ by J.Kozol provides readers with an outlay of the most influential persons in the lives of children, which has a significant influence in related fields. The book provides an insight into the practices that embody the field of education. The book carries the reader through the fascinating things that happen in a classroom. The author, tells us of his own experience with children in an inner-city school in Boston. It interests the reader to read more in order to find out what happened in this true story. Kozols’ response to a teacher’s call provides the reader with an in-depth experience of reality in schools.
Major points covered in the book
This book replicates an inner-city classroom scene that Kozol frequented. Francesca was the teacher of the inner-city school class. She had maintained a high standard of education. This is evident in how she handled her students. Kozol talks passionately of Francesca and her students. In this book, Kozol criticizes the education system for a number of things. The standardized test in schools is one issue. A child may go to a school with all hopes only to end up frustrated by the education system that rates the school poorly. Resources end up in the higher-ranked schools ignoring the lower-level schools. This punishes the innocent children who are eager to learn. Some schools bribe or buy exams with the help of parents so as their schools rated high. The bribing issue flaws the examination system.
The education system does not give a chance to teachers to exercise their teaching skills well. Teachers are always anxious to know how the children will perform. They concentrate on grades and leave out vital issues required in learning. There may be many rules on what should be taught and what should not. Some teachers may be frustrated to the point of leaving the profession. The pay in the public schools is low. This is in comparison to that offered by private schools. The teachers sacrifice to make sure the children have a good quality education.
There are parents who opt to take their children to private schools. Private schools are expensive, and not all parents can afford them. Admission to these schools is strict and restricted. They may question which schools the child was in before. More money goes to these private schools leaving public schools in a bad state. Kozol speaks of the neglect of public schools. Children start off bright and excited but end up frustrated by the education system.
Racism is present in African-American schools. The disease thought to belong to the last century still resurfaces now and then. A child and any other individual are subject to equal treatment. Every individual has a right to fair treatment. The world is in a constant struggle to maintain equity. There are movements set up that advocate for human rights, equal and fair treatment.
The author does not leave us with criticisms but a sense of joy. There is the exciting part in the teaching that leaves a smile on both the child and the teacher. The joy of watching a child learn and develop the required skills is immense. It is much easier to instill discipline in happy kids than those that are bitter from injustices. When Kozol speaks of this book, one can see the joy of working with children. It shows why he did frequent the class at Boston. It is a lesson to teachers to embrace teaching with joy. There is beauty in watching a child develop skills slowly to become a skillful teacher. There are many prominent leaders who still remember those teachers who taught them basic writing, reading and listening skills. The reader learns to appreciate the teaching profession. The world would not be a better place if a teacher did not teach that scientist, president, doctor, driver, police officer, cook, president, and teacher.
Conclusion
It is unquestionable that the issues put across by the writer have a significant lesson not only in the field of education but also in individuals’ lives. Kozol brings to attention the issue of inequality. If children institutions segregate children, there is a high possibility that the practice is in society too. Using his own personal experience, the author captures the reader’s attention. This enhances the vital issues in the book. A teacher leaves an unforgettable experience in the life of an individual. If teachers had not taught great leaders, they would not be holding those offices. They would not know how to speak in public let alone listen to the people.
The current generation relies on the new technologies that lead to social media. This means less time to read works of influential thinkers and emulate their examples. This generation draws their inspiration from the media for getting the humble surroundings of a classroom that can create a story and be an inspiration to many.
References
Kozol, J. (2007). Letters to a young teacher. New York: Random House/Crown.