Zen And The Art Of Public School Teaching

by John Perricone

This book is based upon two assumptions. The first is that "we teach who we are," and the second is that one's philosophy of life is intimately tied to one's identity, and that it is one's "philosophical identity" (conscious or otherwise) that ultimately dictates one's teaching style and also what distinguishes those who find joy and passion in the teaching profession from those who find drudgery and then simply pick up a paycheck every two weeks. In his book Zen and the Art of Public School Teaching, Mr. Perricone compellingly invites his reader to participate in an introspective journey that is designed to help the reader better know themselves and the professional path upon which they have embarked. This book is for those who are just beginning their careers in teaching, for veteran teachers who are still very open to personal and professional growth, and to those who are thinking about becoming teachers.

Genres: Teaching, Education, School

87 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2005

Reviews

[Brennan Sigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this on my TBR list on Goodreads since 2010 and on my shelf since 2005 (or around that time) it only took 13 years for me to pick it up. My inspiration for reading it was that I wanted a short paperback to read in the bathtub since I was reading a Kindle book. I’m so glad I finally picked this up; I didn’t realize that I was looking for inspiration for my teaching career, but I certainly found it. I feel like this one will be saved and re-read again and again.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short and thoughtful book of reflections on teaching was given to me as a gift. I have several reasons to be interested in the book. First, Perricone teaches near where I grew up, and he makes a number of local references of the Southern Tier of New York that I could relate to. Second, I practice Zen. Third, I am a teacher. Perricone's chapters are short and the writing is personable and easy to engage with. Some of the topics are the importance of having a clear teaching philosophy, the importance of martial arts to his own growth, the first day of school, student motivation and classroom management, and the importance of treating students with dignity and understanding.

My one issue is with the word "Zen" in the title. While there are a few chapters that examine concepts that are related to Zen (everything is related to Zen one way or another), and he does discuss the role of karate in his teaching, it really is not a book about Zen. I feel I understand Perricone's teaching philosophy better, but I don't understand Zen any better. I have the same issue with a number of books, including Ray Bradbury's excellent-but-misleadingly-titled "Zen and the Art of Writing."

Nevertheless, Zen and the Art of Public School Teaching is a fine little book that is a great antidote to teacher burnout. Reading it before the First Day of School in September is highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are so many issues with this book. First off, it was written in 2005, so it is completely out of date. It does not consider social media influence, the changes in technology, and the impact of Covid. This book is still being handed out when the author does speaking engagements even though there is a lack of awareness of what is going on in education. The sources that are cited are even older, the most recent one being from 1993.

The author speaks a lot about his experiences and about how much people appreciated him. Many of the memories he had are not even related to education. There is no concrete evidence to back up what the author is saying. It is all anecdotal (some of which seem highly rewritten).

The biggest problem I have with this book is preaching a type of toxic positivity that is unhealthy. Teaching is a job, and teachers are humans, not superheroes who should pretend that everything is perfect when that is not true. Showing up sometimes is the most you can do, and that is ok. This type of narrative is so dangerous and it is what creates burnout in teachers (and in other professions).

[Jean Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very turned off by the book’s title, due to the fact that I am a Bible-believing Christian. Then, however, I heard the author, a former high school teacher, give a keynote at the conference. It was very inspirational and half the room was crying. He did not glaze over the hardships of being a teacher (or a student). Instead, he inspired us to see each new day with fresh eyes, which is exactly what he does in this book. It is definitely worth the hour it takes to read this short book. And, if you do not support Buddhist thought, do not be turned off by the title. The author’s message can be applied to people of all faiths and belief systems. (See especially his note of respect to students’ faiths at the end of the explanation of his lifeline assignment on page 78.)

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slim but enjoyable read about the importance of values, self-awareness, internal happiness, and finding joy as one navigates the teaching practice.

[Kelsey Cherevko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Perricone is a joy and his book is no exception. Full of thoughtful insight he’s earned through his life’s work

[Emily]

Another book required for class. This one was slightly better and more engaging.

[Laura Leaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book! Yes, it's a little bit hokey, but it makes some excellent points about the difference between teaching and "education" (from the Latin, "educare," to love, nurture, to grow). I definitely like the way he reminds the teacher to tap into the students' own awareness of motivation. Why are they getting an education? Why are they in this class? When most of them say they're in school because their parents would "kick [their] butt" or to get a good job, John Perricone gives some good feedback. I'll skip his stuff about being motivated by fear, but the "get a good job" response is pretty spot on. He says you don't ever hear eulogies bemoaning, "Here lies Joe. He drove a Porsche, had a huge swimming pool in his backyard, and one of the biggest boats you've ever seen." What do we want to be remembered for? What legacy do we want to leave? This was good to read before heading back to my job as a high school teacher.


What the book is NOT is a treatise in Zen, at least how I remember it from Alan Watts's "The Way of Zen." I am attracted to Zen - that a man has "no mind apart from what he knows and sees." In his book, Watts refers to Gochiku's haiku: "The long night; / the sound of the water / Says what I think." I was hoping to get a little of this from Perricone's book, but it's not there. Yet, I feel inspired to try and improve - as every right-minded human being should.

[Ryan Milbrath]

This is one of those books during my undergrad days at Eau Claire that I had purchased for a particular class that we didn't end up using anyway. I read this after teaching High School special education in an alternative school. It was a short read - I got done in an hour and really reiterated a lot of concepts and themes I had picked up by just experience.

One of the themes Perricone discusses in his book is planning curriculum that is concerned with the teaching of character rather than content. I agree with Perricone in that a school's curriculum should be focused on building positive character traits and self-identity rather than strictly about content. I think it's easy for Perricone to give examples from his own experience considering the course he teaches is an elective based on self-discovery. How about the application of this to the core content, because after all, the way things are going, that's all that schools will have the funding and time for now-a-days.

[Trieste Kercher Phillipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inspirational book for teachers! John came to speak at my school last year and I loved his passion for teaching, I would have loved to have him as a teacher and I strive to be a teacher like him. He truly understands the reason for teaching and I love his advice and comments. I am planning on using several quotes, some ideas from his disclosure (which he included in the appendix) and his beliefs about education this next year with my students!

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for my FOED 7060 class with Dr. YOung - first semester back to school to work on my EdS - interesting and agreeable teaching theory - not quite enough meat to write a 10 page critical essay about

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good bits here and there, but generally very wishy-washy and sappy. Lots of unbelievable, cheesy stories that made you want to vomit. Egh. However, it's a quick read so it might be worth it for the useful sections. There are much better education books out there.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good reminders of why I teach. I just wanted some encouragement before the new year.