I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is television, screen and stage star Tony Danza’s absorbing account of a year spent teaching tenth-grade English at Northeast High — Philadelphia’s largest high school with 3600 students. Entering Northeast’s crowded halls in September of 2009, Tony found his way to a classroom filled with twenty-six students who were determined not to cut him … determined not to cut him any slack. They cared nothing about “Mr. Danza’s” showbiz credentials, and they immediately put him on the hot seat.
Featuring indelible portraits of students and teachers alike, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had reveals just how hard it is to keep today’s technologically savvy – and often alienated — students engaged, how impressively committed most teachers are, and the outsized role counseling plays in a teacher’s day, given the psychological burdens many students carry. The book also makes vivid how a modern high school works, showing Tony in a myriad of roles – from lecturing on To Kill a Mockingbird to “coaching” the football team to organizing a talent show to leading far-flung field trips to hosting teacher gripe sessions.
A surprisingly poignant account, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny but is mostly filled with hard-won wisdom and feel-good tears.
more
Can I give more stars? Truly, education is important to everyone. This is a must read book, an eye opener for sure. Danza has guts, heart and a willingness to share .
All parents of school students should read this book. Teachers would find it affirming.
I liked the way the story was told great classroom moments
Gained a new respect for Tony Danza. Admired his dedication to this project and how well he bonded with his students. Got a good picture of what teachers in inner-city schools have to deal with on a daily basis. They are under-paid and under-respected.
Although his situation is not very realistic, it was interesting how true a view of schools today he shared. After 30 years in the classroom, I found it amusing to read his discoveries.
Very enlightening look at teaching. I will never again envy teachers “short hours” and long “vacation”. I feel guilty for taking them for granted. thank you Tony Danza for the informative look at an overworked profession.
Never knew this about Tony Danza. Great person!
Good and informative read
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the sensitive, intelligent, and passionate side of Tony Danza. It is an informative, thought provoking read highlighting not only the short comings of public education, but the morale and climate problems facing our education system today.
I did not enjoy this book. And I like Tony Danza. But I thought the book was unrealistic and self-serving. His teaching experience consisted of one class, very unlike other teachers’. And he cries at the drop of a hat. And he demonstrates some stupidity, like going to the bar on a class field trip when other teachers/educators are around! I …
I really enjoyed this book
As a child of the ’80s, I well remember Tony Danza of Who’s the Boss? fame, and can even cop to watching more than a few episodes when they were on the first time. I’m not exactly up on my pop culture, though, and couldn’t have told you that a few years ago he spent a year teaching in a Philadelphia high school had my life depended on it. His …
I’ve always liked Tony Danza, and this book proves him to be smart, well-spoken and as witty as he has ever been. My disappointment was not so much in the book itself, but rather in the fact that he agreed to film his teaching effort for reality TV, and the filming was a large part of his story line. Had he just decided to write a book after his …
As an middle school English teacher, I could relate to Tony’s struggles and successes. I also enjoyed getting some ideas that I plan to use in my own classroom.
Who ever knew Tony Danza could write? I loved his honesty and at times his self-deprecation. I’ve taught and I know his story is absolutely accurate as he describes his teen-age students.
Pretty good. Nothing special.
What a great insight into the problems of the inner-city schools, with some innovative attempts to involve the students in their own education.
As a retired teacher, I enjoyed this book and the final chapter with the author’s conclusions.
good premise, but plodding in parts.
I think every teacher should read and they could relate to it.