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On Being a Teacher
In this critique of the US public school system, the author uses examples from the real experiences of other teachers and parents who share his concern with shaping the values of caring, responsible citizens of the future. Kozol has also written Illiterate America and Savage Inequalities.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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513 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kozol
49 books536 followersJonathan Kozol is a non-fiction writer, educator, and activist best known for his work towards reforming American public schools. Upon graduating from Harvard, he received a Rhodes scholarship. After returning to the United States, Kozol became a teacher in the Boston Public Schools, until he was fired for teaching a Langston Hughes poem. Kozol has held two Guggenheim Fellowships, has twice been a fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation, and has also received fellowships from the Field and Ford Foundations. Most recently, Kozol has founded and is running a non-profit called Education Action. The group is dedicated to grassroots organizing of teachers across the country who wish to push back against NCLB and the most recent Supreme Court decision on desegregation, and to help create a single, excellent, unified system of American public schools.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 21, 2024
1.5 stars
This book was more about politics than education, which I didn't realize going in. Not only that, but it's about 1980s politics and therefore very outdated in many ways.
Kozol leans liberal and makes that clear here… there were some moments where he seemed to approach the subject from a fair viewpoint, advocating for students to have multiple worldviews/opinions presented to them and the opportunity to do their own thinking, with which I agreed. Then there were other sections where he got more specific about what should and shouldn't be allowed and this seemed to contradict his other statements.
I'm not sure I agree with him on several issues. He states at one point: “Teachers have the right to say what they believe without the fear of accusation…”
Do they, though? So much of politics is wrapped up in religion or anti-religion that I find it would be difficult for any honest teacher to openly share their true, full views on many subjects without running into issues of the separation of church and state.
Additionally, the organization of the book was all over the place. I felt like Kozol was ranting a bit and didn't have the clarity himself to help readers along.
There are some good points here and there, but not enough to redeem the book.
This book was more about politics than education, which I didn't realize going in. Not only that, but it's about 1980s politics and therefore very outdated in many ways.
Kozol leans liberal and makes that clear here… there were some moments where he seemed to approach the subject from a fair viewpoint, advocating for students to have multiple worldviews/opinions presented to them and the opportunity to do their own thinking, with which I agreed. Then there were other sections where he got more specific about what should and shouldn't be allowed and this seemed to contradict his other statements.
I'm not sure I agree with him on several issues. He states at one point: “Teachers have the right to say what they believe without the fear of accusation…”
Do they, though? So much of politics is wrapped up in religion or anti-religion that I find it would be difficult for any honest teacher to openly share their true, full views on many subjects without running into issues of the separation of church and state.
Additionally, the organization of the book was all over the place. I felt like Kozol was ranting a bit and didn't have the clarity himself to help readers along.
There are some good points here and there, but not enough to redeem the book.
October 30, 2009
This was outside of the usual Kozol experience. It reads like a kind of treatise for "teachers in exile" or "teachers under oppression." In no small part, it feels like an encouragement to resist "the man" and his machinations in the schools. There were parts I found valuable, but I also felt like I was being encouraged to live in a constant state of outrage and to introduce my students to that outrage.
I don't think outrage is productive and, although I very much want them to learn to think deeply and freely, I am not willing to sell outrage to my students for the sake of my own satisfaction.
I don't think outrage is productive and, although I very much want them to learn to think deeply and freely, I am not willing to sell outrage to my students for the sake of my own satisfaction.
December 13, 2023
I didn’t love this one quite as much as savage inequalities, but regardless, I still love Kozol’s writing style and the message he conveys. As an educator, this book made me motivated to demand changes that otherwise seemed like impossible demands. While some of Kozol’s suggestions for educators felt redundant, given that the book was published in the 80s, I’d argue the fact that this book still felt relevant only speaks to the lack of institutional changes in education throughout the decade. I love looking at teaching through Kozol’s lens and how he refuses to back down from his progressive opinions, despite backlash from administration or school boards. Kozol’s truly only has the students in mind with his urges. if more educators upheld values such as Kozol’s then the education system would be a better reformed system. I could write an entire dissertation about how fucked up our educational system is but I will refrain
October 6, 2017
I continue to read Jonathan Kozol's books as I have enjoyed the two I read prior to this, and appreciate that he tries to bring light to issues in the public schools. I found this book, published in 1981, to be outdated. Despite the fact that I was reading a newer printing, Kozol's made no addendums or changes. This book is basically a primer of how to rebel against the status quo in your school. It includes his tips on giving press conferences and getting things taken to court. If it weren't so short, I would have given up ages ago. Totally skippable.
June 17, 2021
I found very little in this book that corresponds with my 20+ years as a teacher in the US public school system. I have enjoyed many of Kozol’s other books; I was disappointed in this one. It is not reflective of my teaching experience.
September 5, 2007
This book is for anyone who has realized how much American public schools need improvement. In short it is for everybody.
"On Being a Teacher" is not a manifesto, not biography, nor a history. It is a guide to being an awesome teacher, both in terms of teaching your students a lot and also in terms of radical politics. While not a philosophy, like all good guides it lays the reasons for particular actions in a logical and progressive manner such that when you finish one section it appears very obvious.
In it you'll find help on how to talk about American history, how to mobilize and inspire your students, how to talk to parents, other teachers and administration. It offers some strategic foundations for a campaign, which are broad enough to be used for anything to win back a wrongfully fired teacher, fight for the right to sit down during pledge of allegiance and much more.
The book also contains an appendix of resources. Unfortunately, much of this is out of date, but check Kozol's other books for more information.
"On Being a Teacher" is not a manifesto, not biography, nor a history. It is a guide to being an awesome teacher, both in terms of teaching your students a lot and also in terms of radical politics. While not a philosophy, like all good guides it lays the reasons for particular actions in a logical and progressive manner such that when you finish one section it appears very obvious.
In it you'll find help on how to talk about American history, how to mobilize and inspire your students, how to talk to parents, other teachers and administration. It offers some strategic foundations for a campaign, which are broad enough to be used for anything to win back a wrongfully fired teacher, fight for the right to sit down during pledge of allegiance and much more.
The book also contains an appendix of resources. Unfortunately, much of this is out of date, but check Kozol's other books for more information.
June 26, 2009
I remember when I first read this book... then, I was a strong believer in civil disobedience. Rereading it now gives me pause, and memories perhaps more than inspiration. I recognize what shaped me into the teacher I am today. I am proud to have had progressive teachers that allowed me to grow amazingly in terms of intellect and reasoning, as well as higher ideals and freedom of thought. When I consider Rafe Esquith's "There are No Shortcuts" with consideration of Jonathan Kozel's work. I must provide credit where credit is due. Rafe Esquith deserves much praise for his passion, dedication, and success with students with limited opportunities!
January 20, 2010
I had to read this book and blog about it for a graduate class. My professor was just raving about it. The book is presented in two parts. The first part being a 120ish page rant about "the man" and the evil public education machine and how its role is create an army of acquiescent sheep. The agenda set by these evil men sitting around a table smoking cigars and deciding world policy. He sounds like a kookey old hippy. The second part was less crazy and sort of a how to on being a practical rebel in the fight against the evil public school administration. I wish I had another set of hands so I could give this book 4 thumbs down.
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January 16, 2012Jonathan Kozol is the bomb. This book is angrier and more "reactionary" than his later work. At times the tone and style (well-justified venom) overwhelms the message, but 'that no bother me so much.' Cheers.
"My own belief is that a teacher's stated views--and more important, the visible actions which that teacher takes during a year in public school--are infinitely more relentless in their impact on the students than a wealth of books of any possible variety."
"There is no way, however, by which teachers of privileged children can avoid this point if we believe those children should receive the chance to grow up, not just smart and slick, but also ethical and strong."
"My own belief is that a teacher's stated views--and more important, the visible actions which that teacher takes during a year in public school--are infinitely more relentless in their impact on the students than a wealth of books of any possible variety."
"There is no way, however, by which teachers of privileged children can avoid this point if we believe those children should receive the chance to grow up, not just smart and slick, but also ethical and strong."
January 30, 2013
I had to keep reminding myself that this book was written in the early 80s because I found some of the concerns a bit dated. However, for schools who still operate like those in the 70s, I could see why some parents, teachers, and students would be concerned.
I definitely see how the liberal views entered our public schools, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.
I really enjoyed the section about how to teach US history. Many good points were made.
As you can see, I went back and forth on agreeing, or just enjoying, this book.
I definitely see how the liberal views entered our public schools, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.
I really enjoyed the section about how to teach US history. Many good points were made.
As you can see, I went back and forth on agreeing, or just enjoying, this book.
December 5, 2007
I've found Kozol's books like Amazing Grace and Savage Inequalities about inner city schools to be extraordinary and was looking forward to this earlier work. The result is more liberal treatise than meditation on the practice of teaching, and it's pretty dated by now, but there were some takeaway nuggets in there. But the book is more a call to arms than I was looking for.
May 23, 2011
This book continued to solidify and strengthen my respect and appreciation for Kozol and his writing. I'm looking forward to my soon-to-occur discussions with students. The resources in the back of the book are incredibly helpful and soon to be better understood as well.
July 26, 2011
It's not the Kozol writing I've come to expect- and admittedly I was caught off guard- but this was an outstanding read. Despite being a bit old and outdated, there is still plenty to take away from what's presented. I would love to read something similar to this on teaching in schools today.
November 16, 2007
This and On Teaching by Kohl are the two teacher handbooks you need before going into the profession.
June 23, 2009
Loved some of the theories in the beginning of this book, but began to feel a little cheated when I saw it was first published in 1981.
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January 15, 2010education
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December 21, 2010I agree with most of the people who classify this novel as a "treatise." I like his other novels, and this goes in a direction, that, while dated, does not keep up with other contemporary pieces.
August 30, 2011
Overall, I don't think these ideas are very sensible. And I can't imagine they were any more sensible when the book was published in 1981.
December 8, 2012
Interesting, but some extreme ideas.
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February 28, 2011gave me a lot to think about
April 26, 2019
“If the teacher teaches, and if the students learn, and if the parents and the principal begin to sense some genuine peace and continuity within the class from day to day, a plentitude of shocking statements or political provocations on the teachers’s part seem to be forgivable or, at worst beside the point.” -Jonathan Kozol
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews