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Teaching: It's Harder Than It Looks
Gerry Dee is a rising comic star whose humour has been compared to Bill Cosby's. He spent ten years working as a teacher and survived (barely) to tell his tales. Told from the honest point-of-view of a not-so-good, often-very-bad public school teacher--the kind who teaches hungover (and lies about it), loses his students' exams (and lies about it), and stages an impromptu baseball game in the middle of history class just to kill some time, Teaching: It's Harder Than It Looks is Mr. D at his best.
This book collects Gerry's funniest anecdotes about teaching, about students and about their parents. As Gerry's ode to school life, it's sure to bring back a memory or two, whether you were the teacher's pet or the class clown. Throughout, he offers tongue-in-cheek "Teacher Tips and Tricks," uncomfortable notes to parents, awkward report cards and all manner of memorabilia of school days.
He's extremely funny, on the page as well as in person, and he's the kind of personality who will reach out beyond his own core comedy audience to a broad demographic of educators, parents and students who relate to his humour and experiences.
This book collects Gerry's funniest anecdotes about teaching, about students and about their parents. As Gerry's ode to school life, it's sure to bring back a memory or two, whether you were the teacher's pet or the class clown. Throughout, he offers tongue-in-cheek "Teacher Tips and Tricks," uncomfortable notes to parents, awkward report cards and all manner of memorabilia of school days.
He's extremely funny, on the page as well as in person, and he's the kind of personality who will reach out beyond his own core comedy audience to a broad demographic of educators, parents and students who relate to his humour and experiences.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
22 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 21, 2019
Hilarious look at the life of a teacher!
July 16, 2016
As a current supply teacher struggling with the daily demands and frustrations of the job, this was an enormously entertaining book that had me laughing and shaking my head and quietly nodding at the stories and experiences Gerry shares. His passion for teaching shines through his facade of apathy, and it inspires me to be the kind of teacher who impacts his students like Mr D.
March 9, 2020
Funny, but a little annoying at times. Dee is not exactly a model teacher, but he makes a good comedian. I didn't love it enough to finish it.
P.S. My pet peeve is when people say that "nothing that they learned in school prepared me for the real world." Coming from a former teacher, it's REALLY annoying.
P.S. My pet peeve is when people say that "nothing that they learned in school prepared me for the real world." Coming from a former teacher, it's REALLY annoying.
May 20, 2021
RATING: 4.5
if you love the Canadian show Mr. D this is a must read book. I for one love the show add on the fact I’m in university to become a teacher and this book is absolutely perfect for me. I love Gerry’s humour in the book and on the show, so I was constantly laughing and smiling while reading this book. There are many insightful experiences in this novel as well as Gerry goes through his journey as a teacher. A fantastic read from a man who has a fantastically hilarious show!
if you love the Canadian show Mr. D this is a must read book. I for one love the show add on the fact I’m in university to become a teacher and this book is absolutely perfect for me. I love Gerry’s humour in the book and on the show, so I was constantly laughing and smiling while reading this book. There are many insightful experiences in this novel as well as Gerry goes through his journey as a teacher. A fantastic read from a man who has a fantastically hilarious show!
August 14, 2019
I'd say definitely entertaining if you are a teacher and probably also entertaining if you're not. As a teacher though I can relate to a lot of what Gerry says and had a lot of good laughs reading this book.
March 7, 2017
This one is laugh out loud funny. Each moment he speaks to, I could relate. We've all been there and Gerry Dee gets it. A must read for all teachers, of any age group.
January 25, 2021
Hilarious! A quick read, but an enjoyable one at that.
June 26, 2022
Relatable; lots of fun.
March 5, 2024
I loved Gerry Dee on LAST COMIC STANDING, and I love his show "Mr. D" on Canada's CBC. (Seasons 1 & 2 are finally available on Hulu.) This book is an easy, light read that covers Dee's years in the classroom before he left it all behind for his TV series and stand-up touring.
Dee's humor is refreshing and clean, and he says what so many of us teachers are thinking.
It isn't beautifully written nor will it win a Pulitzer. It's not trying to be either. Dee is that friend from college that you'd want to meet for drinks--at which point you would sit back and let him tell story after story of crazy things that happen in the classroom. That's what this book is about. It is written for three different audiences: teachers in training, current students, and parents. He has something to say to all three groups, and it's always funny.
I give this four stars rather than five because while I was laughing out loud at so many places, if most of what Dee shares is true, it makes sense that the rest of the world views teachers as lazy. While he seemed like he loved his students (or at least the athletes and "dumb" ones), it's probably a good thing he got out of the classroom. He wasn't going to be winning any Teacher of the Year awards anytime soon.
It would've been refreshing to see some positive anecdotes that were equally entertaining throughout the book in addition to just the funny, incredibly awkward ones. He does redeem himself at the very end with his "Final Exam Essay" on what he learned in the classroom. It is touching, and you can tell that behind all of the humor, Gerry enjoyed his time as a teacher.
Dee's humor is refreshing and clean, and he says what so many of us teachers are thinking.
It isn't beautifully written nor will it win a Pulitzer. It's not trying to be either. Dee is that friend from college that you'd want to meet for drinks--at which point you would sit back and let him tell story after story of crazy things that happen in the classroom. That's what this book is about. It is written for three different audiences: teachers in training, current students, and parents. He has something to say to all three groups, and it's always funny.
I give this four stars rather than five because while I was laughing out loud at so many places, if most of what Dee shares is true, it makes sense that the rest of the world views teachers as lazy. While he seemed like he loved his students (or at least the athletes and "dumb" ones), it's probably a good thing he got out of the classroom. He wasn't going to be winning any Teacher of the Year awards anytime soon.
It would've been refreshing to see some positive anecdotes that were equally entertaining throughout the book in addition to just the funny, incredibly awkward ones. He does redeem himself at the very end with his "Final Exam Essay" on what he learned in the classroom. It is touching, and you can tell that behind all of the humor, Gerry enjoyed his time as a teacher.
March 4, 2021
I bought this book because I love Gerry Dee from the hilarious show, "Mr. D."
I rarely buy books anymore but this one was sure to make me laugh.
It did not.
Unless you are currently (or in the process of becoming) a teacher, you probably won't find this book very useful.
This book is written for people who want to become teachers, so I found it rather boring. There are some funny moments, as Gerry talks about his experiences in teaching students of various ages. I recognized some of the scenarios he incorporated into his show.
Unfortunately I had a difficult time getting into this book. It just wasn't very interesting. There are only so many stories about students verbally abusing the teacher that I could take.
This is not a bad book by any means and I do recommend it for teachers. It's an honest, funny look at the profession. Granted, Gerry is Canadian so the slang (like "marks" instead of "grades") might take some getting used to, but it's pretty straightforward.
I definitely recommend the show fir everyone. It can be found on Amazon Prime or on the CBC Canadian station and it's absolutely hilarious.
I rarely buy books anymore but this one was sure to make me laugh.
It did not.
Unless you are currently (or in the process of becoming) a teacher, you probably won't find this book very useful.
This book is written for people who want to become teachers, so I found it rather boring. There are some funny moments, as Gerry talks about his experiences in teaching students of various ages. I recognized some of the scenarios he incorporated into his show.
Unfortunately I had a difficult time getting into this book. It just wasn't very interesting. There are only so many stories about students verbally abusing the teacher that I could take.
This is not a bad book by any means and I do recommend it for teachers. It's an honest, funny look at the profession. Granted, Gerry is Canadian so the slang (like "marks" instead of "grades") might take some getting used to, but it's pretty straightforward.
I definitely recommend the show fir everyone. It can be found on Amazon Prime or on the CBC Canadian station and it's absolutely hilarious.
April 8, 2014
This book was completely hilarious, and being a teacher I really did relate to a lot of it. Though I didn't do a lot of what he did (I never lost exams, and I would never lie about it - I hope) I did think along the same lines as him.
This book literally made me laugh out loud at least once every chapter - usually more than that. It was nice to read from the point of view of another teacher who has the same thoughts as you, so you don't feel like such a horrible person. For instance, before I became a teacher I actually thought teachers did not have favourites - ha! we totally do. And I can tell you for a fact that it is possible to hate kids, it's not easy to happen, and it's not the kids you'd expect it to be, but that also certainly happens.
Oh god, Gerry Dee. You killed me with this - I just might start watching your show.
Check out more of my reviews at http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
January 4, 2013
Never heard of the man or the show; came across this while shelving at work - glad I took a chance!
I laughed so hard, not a few times, that it was well worth the repetitive style of his story-telling (hint: if the title is your message there is no need to repeat it every chapter {or more})
I would consider going to his show if he cones to Vancouver, that's how much I was laughing.
For the story of the kid 'running around the gym in a careless fashion', that alone is reason to read this.
I'm not sure if it's as funny when you haven't worked with children...but for me, I have been there & can picture it now!
I laughed so hard, not a few times, that it was well worth the repetitive style of his story-telling (hint: if the title is your message there is no need to repeat it every chapter {or more})
I would consider going to his show if he cones to Vancouver, that's how much I was laughing.
For the story of the kid 'running around the gym in a careless fashion', that alone is reason to read this.
I'm not sure if it's as funny when you haven't worked with children...but for me, I have been there & can picture it now!
October 3, 2013
This was a super quick read. I enjoy Gerry Dee's comedy, love the show, but I have to say that I think this book would appeal more to teachers or those familiar with the profession than just a general audience. Having said that, at times I felt like there was a hidden camera on my life, because I have definitely experienced some of the situations he describes. I got a little tired of the lists injected into the text, as well as the repeated quotations which were highlighted throughout (I read the ebook version, not sure what the paper version is like). Generally, a fun, fast read.
January 25, 2013
I enjoyed the show, and then I enjoyed the book. I'm on my way to becoming a teacher so it was nice and refreshing to have a somewhat more cynical view thrown into the mix. A lot of people don't think of the not-so-great aspects of teaching, like managing a class or not knowing your subject matter. Teaching is not all sunshine and laughter and cheer, you know! There are kids who lie, steal, cheat, etc., and they will definitely not make my life any easier!
May 24, 2013
Surprisingly great read! As someone who is on the fence about how funny Gerry Dee should actually be considered, I actually loved reading this book.
Teachers are often depicted as tireless crusaders for the betterment and enhancement of childrens' lives; moulding young brains into becoming the leaders of tomorrow. It was refreshing to hear a point of view that teachers are just regular human beings that are just as errant and lazy as the rest of us!
Teachers are often depicted as tireless crusaders for the betterment and enhancement of childrens' lives; moulding young brains into becoming the leaders of tomorrow. It was refreshing to hear a point of view that teachers are just regular human beings that are just as errant and lazy as the rest of us!
July 28, 2013
This book was a pleasure to read from start to finish. I am a very big Gerry Dee fan and this book does an excellent job of capturing his voice and character. It is filled with hilarious anecdotes from his teaching days and even had me reminiscing back to my school-yard years. An incredibly enjoyable light read from the other side of the teacher's desk.
February 24, 2014
Great read and had some chuckles as I could actually imagine some of the things he describes. I did however feel that he held back a bit because there are surely way funnier stories from his short career as a teacher. You can't read this book and make the assumption that all people in teaching are like that...
August 11, 2017
Really entertaining. Mr. D talked about the realities of teaching like no one else I've met in my (so far brief) teaching career. Sure, some of his stories and advice aren't for everyone to take as gospel truth, but I don't think they were ever meant to be. If you're a teacher, or want to know what really happens when the staff room door closes, read this book.
January 4, 2013
As a certified Ontario teacher I thought that this was quite entertaining. Some of the situations he describes are hilarious and in some cases sadly true.
I think this book gives a great little insight into the everyday world of a teacher.
I think this book gives a great little insight into the everyday world of a teacher.
April 1, 2013
Meh... Parts were amusing but nary a belly laugh to be had. As a teacher myself, I could identify but I kept thinking "I have waaaaay better anecdotes than that!" I'm just happy for Mr. Dee that he escaped a job he clearly didn't like very much.
April 3, 2013
meh. the guy clearly loves himself. who else ends his book with a collection of reference letters? I cant stand his show on CBC and this book was only slightly better. yes, I can laugh about myself and my profession, I just think that most of what gerry dee has to say isn't funny.
June 22, 2013
This is a ridiculously light read—lots of page padding with pull quotes from the text.
This is a pleasant read, though. Gerry Dee provides some great insights into the life of a teacher, particularly the revelation that teachers talk about their students' personal lives all the time.
This is a pleasant read, though. Gerry Dee provides some great insights into the life of a teacher, particularly the revelation that teachers talk about their students' personal lives all the time.
July 13, 2013
A few good laughs along the way and I would have rated it as a four or five star but....as a teacher there were many parts where I thought "if I weren't a teacher I would be home schooling my children" after reading this book. Light read and as I said many funny parts nonetheless!!
December 31, 2013
Awesome read! It was entertaining helpful and something many can relate to. I loved reading about thoughts I had at one time or another as well as learn that others have really bad days too. It was funny and definitely a book I would recommend to teachers or parents. A must read!
April 17, 2014
This book was okay. I'm not someone who is big into comedy as a genre, but there were some parts that made me laugh. I'm not sure if it's because it was genuinely funny, or if I relate because I'm a teacher. Easy read, amusing.
October 6, 2014
I liked the book but I bet anyone that is a teacher would find this book to be hilarious. He definitely makes me look back at my years of going to school and wondering if my teachers might be recovering from a hangover.
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November 16, 2015I liked it, but I didn't love it. I've seen his stand up and I think I expected more of that kind of material. The chapter on the the library and the section on staff meetings did make me laugh pretty hard though!
November 1, 2012
Fantastic!
So funny I looked crazy on the bus at 630am laughing while reading it.
So funny I looked crazy on the bus at 630am laughing while reading it.
February 2, 2013
Great book!
November 11, 2012
As a former teacher, I found this book to be delightfully honest and a lovely reminder why we became teachers in the first place. I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews