Rating: 
Summary: A real insight into education
Review: I felt like I was in the classroom with Mrs. Zajac. Tracy Kidder describes a real teacher and her students and takes the reader with them through the school year. The descriptions of the students brought them to reality for me. I did not want to put the book down. Kidder related the problems as well as the successes in the classroom. Zajac is the kind of teacher that a parent would want their child to have. Kidder brings to light the personalities and problems that a teacher has to deal with on a day to day basis. The reader appreciates that a teacher does not only teach basic skills and knowledge, but also must nuture and deal with children who come to the classroom with a lot of baggage. Anyone interested in education would appreciate this book.
Rating: 
Summary: The best book I've read on education.
Review: In all the talk about education issues these days, it's easy to forget that what's really important is the relationship, the energy, between students and teacher. When the teacher closes his door and is face-to-face with thirty kids--THAT'S where it's at. It's not test scores or textbooks or innovative curriculum--it's what happens between PEOPLE in a classroom. This book shows that dynamic relationship between eager, active kids and a caring, active teacher. It's not all pleasant, and successes are sometimes small, but a pervasive caring underlies it all. As a teacher, this book reminded me that sometimes the best thing I can do for my kids is to leave all that paperwork, go for a walk, go to bed early so I can be there for them the next day.
Rating:
Summary: The Realities of Teaching
Review: I had to read this book for my Education Class and it was probably one of the best books I have read in a long time! Among Schoolchildren takes a birds eye look into Mrs. Zajac's fifth grade classroom. The reader will share in her joys and disapointments in having the challenging job as teacher. Trust Me...You will laugh and cry and love every minute of this book! If you are a teacher or are planning to become one...Read This Book!!!!!!!!! It's superbly written with grace to excentuate the joy and challenge of being a teacher in today's classrooms! =)
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