Teacher Misery: Helicopter Parents, Special Snowflakes and Other Bullshit

by Jane Morris

Teacher Misery perfectly encapsulates the comical misery that has become the teaching profession. Morris’ strange, funny, and sometimes unbelievable teaching experiences are told through a collection of short stories, essays and artifacts including real emails from parents, students and administrators. From the parents who blame their son’s act of arson on the teacher for causing him low self-esteem, to the student who offers to teach the teacher how to sell drugs so she can pay her bills, to the administrator whose best advice is to “treat kids like sacks of shit,” one story is more shocking than the next. An important read for teachers and non-teachers alike-- Teacher Misery paints an amusing and thoroughly entertaining picture of what has become of our education system, without detracting from the overall point that what teachers have to put up with today is complete, utter, unacceptable insanity.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Humor, Memoir, Adult, Audiobook

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2016

About the author

Jane started teaching high school English in 2007 with stars in her eyes and hope in her heart, ready to inspire every jaded adolescent and save the world through literature. Within the first few weeks, she realized that the job was more than she bargained for and would probably lead to her early death.

To cope with the chaos, she started making sarcastic jokes about teaching on social media, and she was relieved to find an entire community of teachers who were also outraged and miserable in a profession that was nothing like they imagined it would be.

The Teacher Misery community has grown to over 450K followers across multiple social media platforms, and four comedic teaching memoirs in print.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure if the author really enjoys teaching as much as she states.I certainly cannot connect her upbeat summary at the end of the book with all the hateful stories she fills her pages with. I have had my share of crazy stuff happen in my teaching career, but these are the most outrageous outtakes. But I did find myself connecting to a few and I certainly concur that teachers have their share of hurdles. I count myself fortunate because there has been more rainbows than thunder.

[CeeMarie · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. This is horrible. I get that teaching can be an unbelievably trying profession. I can certainly imagine all the scenarios she writes about. BUT she writes about them in such a mean spirited, judge mental, negative way with questionable language a lot of the time. I just don't even want to listen to her because she is just ranting about how horrible everyone-students, parents, administrators, etc.. are. There is no humor, or light heartedness in recounting these experiences. It's not snarky-it's mean. I'm not sure who this book is for. It certainly reads like I don't know what-not a guide book or a memoir even. Just a big, long rant. I've never read a book like this before and I don't like it. I have read 30 % thoroughly and skimmed to the end.

I would expect a high school English/Literature teacher to be better at expressing herself in writing and I would hope any teacher would have compassion and thoughtfulness when recounting their experiences.

This is a long rambling, rant of a book. If she does recount something positive it is overwhelmingly pushed to the side by all the negative. I will be more careful when requesting non-fiction titles again.

This was a review copy from NetGalley.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate : 4.5 stars

TEACHERS! FUTURE TEACHERS ! GET THIS BOOK NOW! Yup, you see that right! This book is a necessity for every teacher, especially the future educators. First of all, let me thank to the author for sending me a copy of an ebook version of this book. To be honest, this is not really my kind of reading, I mean I rarely, like seriously rarely read a nonfiction book, but gosh, reading this book is a real eye opener. It is funny, real, full of amazing, weird , shocking and hilarious stories that are beyond imagination. I know that being an educator would be tough, but I don't know it would include all kind of scenarios and crazy incidents, like the ones in the book.

The author's view on how the students' attitude affect her profession and also other educators', plus her view on how the parents and the administrator react on some of these children's attitude is genuine and so relatable. The stories are delivered in a clear note and everything is explained so well.

This book is truly awesome, I highly recommend it, actually not to only the future educators, also to the parents, students, basically everyone so that you can know how hard it is to be an educator that needs to go through all this bunch of craziness and still deliver a lecture at school. It is insane! So, go get this book !

[John Lamb · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author positions herself as an infallible, high-and-mighty overlord of the classroom who is victim of the dunces who dare grace her classroom. I've been a teacher for almost twenty years, and recognize the frustrations that she illuminates. I also recognize the particular form of bitterness and try to stay away from the venom that fills these teachers' souls. To spew so much eye-rolling and hate and then have the temerity to then go on a rant about all the state testing because she is worried about the kids seems especially egregious when most of the book is devoted to how awful these students are.

[Monica P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was eye-opening, intriguing and insightful.

I don’t normally read books like Teacher Misery, in fact this is the first non-fiction book I have read because I wanted to. I am so glad I did. The title of the book sets the premise for what it is about, the author goes over a series of things she has experienced with students, parents and the administration, and all I have to say is, Wow. I knew that some things were bad, but I didn’t know so much happened to teachers. I lucked out by going to really good schools and not having to go through what some students do. But even then, I have personally seen how bad some students treat teachers. I have always and will always respect them. Recently, I have even thought of becoming and teacher because I want to be a positive influence on the lives of others. Although after reading this book, I don’t think I am ready for all the stress that might come my way.

I learned so much and was able to think back on what I have experienced as a student. And although I want to someday teach in the future, after reading this I know I have to give myself time. The story was divided into three parts, students, parents and the administration and some of the things that people were able to get away with were ridiculous! I don’t understand how some people or students were able to behave and act out the way they did. I mentioned it before and I will mention it again, teachers do not get the credit they deserve. So if you have a teacher you really liked or just plain enjoyed their class, right them a letter. Get in contact with them and let them know how much they meant to you.

While this may not be romance or a book I typically read, everyone who has kids or is in college or even high school needs to give this book a chance. We all went through school at some point and I am positive that this will shine some new light on what happens in schools. I am so glad I chose to read this and I will definitely keep this information with me forever.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t understand all the reviews calling this book “funny”. It was mostly horrifying with a side of annoying. As a newish teacher I’ve experienced only a few of my own horror stories, and I bet not a single aspect of the accounts in this book is fabricated or exaggerated. That being said, sometimes I found the author’s reactions to her students to be really insensitive and sometimes rude. The instagram account is definitely funny, so I’m not sure what happened between that and the book.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a way that non-teachers may actually get a glimpse of the absurdity that teachers must hurdle to accomplish their jobs.

This book is honest and relatable enough for teachers to find company in misery. It's the tip of the iceberg and I can only hope for a sequel.

[Annie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think the biggest issue I had with this book was that I didn't like the writer. She comes across as arrogant and rude and all in all the writing left a bitter taste in my mouth. The whole book just seemed like a rant against everyone but the author.

I came into this book with high hopes. Being not long out of school myself, I thought it might bring back the memories of some of the insanity that occurred in my school. Either American schools are very different from English ones, or the author was talking utter crap - the stories are so far fetched they would be out of place in even the most melodramatic of school drama TV shows. They *could* be real situations, but the sensational attitude of the author means the stories really do beggar belief.

While there were some truly funny moments in this book, they are easily forgotten in the rest of the drivel. Some parts of the book were truly alarming - like the time she mentioned that a 12-year-olds breasts were 'the size of soccer balls' or the inclusion of an email from a student with Asperger's in the middle of a rant about students using dubious mental health conditions to excuse themselves from working - Asperger's is a serious disorder on the autism spectrum. The only reason this seemed to be included was for the reader to laugh at an individual with a developmental disability. Like I said, bitter taste.

Maybe this book is lost on me because I'm not a teacher myself - but that is a small niche for the book to appeal to.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy.

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morris recounts her experiences as a teacher over the course of several years.
At first, I found myself amazed that any teacher had to put up with the behaviors of students, parents, and educators, that the author described. Truly horrifying to have to go to work and deal with that!
Eventually though, I found myself becoming weary of the author's stories. I had to ask myself, why did she go into teaching in the first place? And if she found no joy in the teaching, why did she stay so long? It just seemed that she was a bit mean-spirited, and I ended up wondering if it was truly the students or just her perceived perceptions of them?
Either way, I found the book to be exhausting. I hope that the author finds something rewarding to do with the rest of her life.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I would more accurately rate this as a 2.5 star book.

Well, now that we've gotten that out of the way, I have to say this resembles the memoir thousands of teachers across the nation intended to write one day when they finally retired and could mentally compile all of the bizarro stories they endured over a 35 year teaching career. This lady beat us all to the punch and isn't even retired. We have to take her word for it and assume every word of it is true because it says so right in the beginning of the book, and if it's printed, it's true right? Everything is properly cited as well in the back of the book, good job, no plagiarism here, moving on. Using a pseudonym (naturally), Ms. Morris recounts tales, trials and tribulations of the first ten years or so of her teaching career at the middle and high school levels--they seem like the worst schools ever assembled this side of Rydell High. Grossly incompetent administrators, overly indulgent and meddling parents, students who are entitled/belligerent/psychotic or chronically asleep; the community that she has settled into sounds like it has self-destructed. And while I empathize with a lot of what she was saying, even snickered at some of the comical absurdity of it, I could have done without the smug tone with which it was written and the petty childish name changes that were used (i.e. Mr. And Mrs. Fuller-Crapp or I.M.A. Moran). As a teacher, knowing non-teachers would be reading this, it made me cringe knowing that on one hand the book is supposed to elicit sympathy, but here it is, at times, painting educators as snarky, bitter, and mean-spirited if we were only given that chance in a room with no one looking and no consequences. Yes, teaching frustrates the HELL out of me--the politics and adults surrounding the profession mainly, but also the daily grind and constant struggle to motivate uninterested adolescents. Yes, I have funny and goofy stories from the pits of despair too and lord knows I loathe standardized testing. BUT, I've enjoyed the heck out of being in the classroom for 18 years and have great memories to go along with the wacky ones. Those don't sell though, I get it. To her credit, she does end the book on a positive note, so kudos. Having said that, I believe this is a summary of what Ms. Morris was saying--to the parents that enable their children and try and bail them out of their shortcomings that they brought on themselves: stop it. You are failing your child. To the lawyers who take on petty cases against school districts and hinder the ability of a school to maintain order and clear lines between student and adult: you are reprehensible. When can I come to your office and tell you how to do your job? To the administrators that do not support their teachers: find a new profession. Why would anyone want to work in that environment? To politicians, lawmakers, and policy pushers who dictate educational reform without ever having been In a classroom: thank you for sucking the soul out of the profession. Someday you will see the long term result of the seeds you have sowed. And finally to teachers everywhere: here's to enjoying another summer of family, travel or whatever undoes your misery!

[Megalion · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the synopsis promises, the book delivers.

It's billed as humor but at it's heart, it's a tragedy. I did laugh out loud at some of the anecdotes.

The rest, as amusing as they are in their insanity, that it's not fiction is horrifying.

I do keep in mind that this is one school teacher's experience (and includes some of her colleagues' second hand) at one school. Yet we've heard the horror stories from all over.

It further emphasizes the terrible consequences of the No Child Left Behind act. I can't understand why it's not yet been repealed when decades later, the sharp decline of education still persists.

Towards the end of the book, she addresses just how much extra testing there is now because of that. The most damning thing being that one corporation owns most of the school tests and etc. She quotes a spokesman saying that teachers will soon be obsolete [because their testing and educational materials are that superior].

She begins the book citing statistics about teacher burn-out. That many first year teachers quit after the first year and many more within the first 5 years.

A pervasive theme through the book is the utter lack of respect for teachers from all corners. Students, parents, and school administration. Not just lack of respect but downright extreme neglience by repeatedly putting the teachers in danger by forcing them to have students in their classes who have already demonstrated violent tendencies to them. Or have attacked other teachers.

I felt she balanced well between the long gamut of simply absurd to the simply unthinkable.

In the case of the latter, it's unfortunate that this is not a book of fiction.

I'm profoundly thankful that I graduated in time before the Digital Age took root.

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

And a BIG SALUTE to her and her fellow teachers who stick it out in the trenches because for all the problem students, many more need all the education they can get.

P.S. I was particularly disgusted at the couple of anecdotes about remedial English students being able to demand admittance to Honors English. Honors is a PRIVILEGE and designed to allow students who want to make the most of their education to do so at a higher level WITHOUT BEING HELD BACK TO THE LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR. Damn you Dubya. You hamstrung an already deeply challenged education system.

Additional notes:
As of 2016, the US ranks #14 in world education.

Finland who used to be #1, now #5 after 4 Asian countries, treat the teacher profession with the highest of respect. Their education system is considered to be elite even if in recent years surpassed by the now top 4 counties.

We are behind UK, Germany and several other big first world countries.

[Emily Philbin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay the name changes in the emails had me laughing, but the rest of it just made me so so sad.

These descriptions of students’ behaviors and their comments are indicative of a bigger problem, which is appalling & heartbreaking. The parents’ expectations of the teachers and disrespect for the profession as shown in this book is, unfortunately, not shocking. The administration’s willingness to kowtow to the parents and change grades is disgusting.

The quote before Part II I think sums up what this author was truly trying to express:

“Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition” — Jacques Barz.

We’re continuing our art, but sadly without regard.

In the end I can agree that there’s plenty of absolute craziness and some horrifying disrespect (from students & parents & admin) and this book certainly reveals that in spades, but I hope this teacher and the rest of us too can still see the hilarity, joy, inspiration, the light when something clicks, the improvement and growth that happens in the classroom (far more often than this book leads the reader to believe, in my opinion). We can’t let the other BS prevent is from seeing these things or why keep teaching?

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, people who review this book saying that it's horrible, whiny, and written by an arrogant author who hates her job have it all wrong. Did you bother to read the whole book? Still other reviewers say that the stories are implausible or far-fetched. I am a teacher and I can tell you that I have been through MANY of these exact same experiences, and still other more ridiculous ones than the ones Ms. Morris mentioned.

For real teachers, and people who want to get a taste of what the American education system is ACTUALLY like -- this book is for you. Entertaining, witty, and just plain delightful, this book will have you laughing, rolling your eyes, and (hopefully) considering Ms. Morris as a fellow soldier fighting the good fight.

I recommend this book for all teachers, especially high school teachers, as well as opened-minded individuals, and anyone looking for a good laugh.

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exhausting! Morris recounts her experiences as a teacher over the course of several years. At first, I found myself amazed that any teacher had to put up with the behaviors of students, parents, and educators, that the author described. Truly horrifying to have to go to work and deal with that! Eventually though, I found myself becoming weary of the author's stories. I had to ask myself, why did she go into teaching in the first place? And if she found no joy in the teaching, why did she stay so long? It just seemed that she was a bit mean-spirited, and I ended up wondering if it was truly the students or just her perceived perceptions of them? Either way, I found the book to be exhausting. I hope that the author finds something rewarding to do with the rest of her life. I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

[Dennise Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEVER have been able to finish a book that was nonfiction, but I was reading this whenever I had a spare moment. I have been teaching for seven years and the INSANITY spikes with every passing year. I am so grateful to this author because now I know I am not alone!!! I completely disagree with the reviews that say she writes in a mean spirited or judgmental manner. In the contrary, I laughed so much while reading this book because I CAN RELATE. I can relate to psychotic parents, disrespectful students that question your lesson even though you fell asleep late prepping and organizing “guided notes.” I can relate to helicopter parents that will take over every breathing moment of your life if you let them. I can also relate to the fact that I LOVE TO TEACH, and like she says... at the end of the day... we teachers are all just a little insane. I can relate.

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, mostly because I want to support other teachers and also because I think the general public needs to read a little more about the current realities of public school, but I just didn't connect with the book. While I frequently nodded my head in agreement, I felt the writing was unorganized and somewhat repetitive (in several sections she references either the first day assignment or teaching Night...I know in 10 years she's taught boatloads of other things!). I also wish that her tone was more humorous than nagging. On the positive side, there are sections that made me think my school is full of unicorns and puppies and rainbows in comparison to her situation. ;)

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel seen.

[Jd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her writing style wasn’t my favorite but I laughed over some of her stories. I do feel it was overly negative with just a touch of positive thrown in the final chapter but this may have been her honest experience. I also found some conflicting messages when she encouraged parents to opt out of testing in a later chapter bc they control what students should experience in the classroom (my interpretation) yet she shared many examples of parents trying to control the student experience in other ways that she disliked.

[Aimee Lynnaford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Teacher Misery on Instagram and this book gave the same energy. The craziness that goes on in a school day needs to be shared with the world who doesn’t get to see it and Morris leaves nothing out. Just when you think you’ve heard the craziest school tale… it just gets topped. Being in this profession since 2012, everything Morris describes I can confirm is pretty spot on. My hope is that more people who aren’t teachers can read books like this to understand why there needs to be such strong advocacy in our schools.

[Colette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a teacher. I would give this book 0 stars if it’s allowed me. This is one bitter woman. Stay away.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

David and I listened to this book, the stories will shock you at how students and parents treat teachers! Somehow, people wonder what is wrong with our youth, they need to look at the parents and how the education system is broken. The teachers are trying their best!

[Stacie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that is going to sugarcoat how amazing it is to be a teacher then you might as well throw this book out of the window because this is not the book for you. But this is the book that people need to read to understand the climate of schools in this era. Classroom teachers are severely underappreciated and neglected. This book written by a teacher under the pseudonym of Jane Morris is a testament to the everyday struggles of teachers in public schools.

Morris decided to separate this book into three different parts: Students, Parents and Administrators. Why you may ask? Because these are the three different elements that teachers have to deal with. Each part is equally depressing and distressing and you won’t want to believe any of it. Unfortunately I have enough experience working in classrooms to believe and acknowledge that the crazy she mentions is all too plausible. I wish I could read this book, shake my head and exclaim “There is no way any of this true.” But I would be lying to myself and to you.

What Morris did really well with this book is provide examples of why so many problems exist in this day and age. Work samples from students in her class, statements from other teachers, combined with her experiences creates a case for teachers and their frustrations. When you are trying to teach a class and students are disruptive, disrespectful, uninterested and unengaged you look to parents and administration to help. If the parents are clueless or entitled or don’t care then the next step is administration. When administration leaves you out to dry what do you? You’re hands are tied.

There is a problem right now with the education system in the United States. I don’t have the answer but what it boils down to, in my opinion, is supporting the teacher in the classroom. They don’t have a leg to stand on and that’s what it is so depressing and absurd. I enjoyed this book because I am so glad someone is speaking out. She needed to speak out. More teachers need to speak out in the same way Morris dead. Give examples. Speak on the problems and the misunderstandings with parents and how much things have changed. Respect for the teacher has fallen. It’s obvious in the attitude of parents, students and administration. I’m not sure we are preparing kids for the real world anymore.

I recommend this book for many reasons. Morris is a great writer who did a great job at presenting her case. She is funny and entertaining. She is above all honest with her interpretation and the things that she sees around her. I liked the variation in text and material. Overall, this books needs to be spread around the country. She isn’t the only person that feels this way. There are thousands of other people out there like her and their voices need to be heard.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Resh (The Book Satchel) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about teachers. What they go through and how they are so helpless in a world ruled by parents and school administration. I felt very sympathetic to their plight. I couldnt relate to some of the incidents described in the book due to cultural differences. But the book was outright shocking. In addition to feeling sorry for the teachers I was secretly glad I studied elsewhere. Because it would have been very very difficult to be friends with some of the kids mentioned.

The positive:
It talks about everything! EVERYTHING that happens in a teacher's life. I really enjoyed how the book was divided into different sections related to teachers, parents, administrators, students etc. What was most shocking is how parents bend rules to support the nonsensical activities of children instead of disciplining them or discussing with the teachers about the well being of the child.

What I didn't like:
It was too long for me, I am sure I would have enjoyed a crisper version more. Often it felt like a rant (I felt sad for what the teachers go through) but perhaps a bit of the good parts of teacher life would have been welcome. Maybe I was a bit biased since I expected a story outline to the whole book while the book was more of a collection of incidents. Teacher Misery: Helicopter Parents, Special Snowflakes and Other Bullshit

I am sure those in the teaching profession would find it very easy to connect with this book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for sending the book for an honest review.

[Alyssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very challenging book to read. I disagree whole heartedly with the attitudes and teaching philosophy presented in the book. Many times I felt I should stop reading all together.

Although, yes teaching is an incredibly challenging profession, many of the examples given could have been turned into less explosive situations had the teacher displayed empathy and the training to deal with anxious, violent or aggressive states. In many instances I felt the teacher's reactions worsened the circumstances.

Also, the author includes quotations of heated conversations throughout the book and expects the reader to accept these as truth. As a teacher, I know that during high intensity moments, it is very rare to remember exactly what was said. As a result, many of the examples were very one-sided and seemingly sensationalized.

Finally, in examples such as Vlad (a student with Asperger's syndrome) the author takes on a incredibly negative and unhealthy point of view. Similarly, the author complains of a student requiring adaptations, attempting to argue that their needs' are outlandish requests. Students with mental or physical disabilities have the right to an adapted and inclusive program along with teachers who are willing to help them succeed despite the extra work it may create.

[Veronica Furfaro]

Some aspects were relateable, others were just downright petty and aggressive. There were some moments that were constructive, but overwhelmingly this book just made me upset. I teach for the students and because I love the content area I'm in. All the other stuff doesn't matter to me- sure there are those students that get under my skin, but when that happens- I think about the positive moments with those students. That's what they deserve.

[Jodi Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and also depressing. I really liked how the chapters were really short. It made it super easy to pick up and read whenever I had a few minutes It made me thankful about where I teach and sad for those who experience so much nonsense and lack of support. We are asking too much of our teachers in this country. I want parents to do a better job of actual parenting, intentional raising of their children and to support the teachers and administrators trying to help them be positive contributors to society.

[Steph Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a bad day at work- like full moon, Tuesday after a holiday Monday, almost end of school year- bad day. The kids were wild and I was feeling like crap at the end of the day. Bad enough I questioned my choice of career and thought of what else I could do with an Education degree. But instead I pulled this out of my bookshelf- a joke present I got myself a few weeks back. And yeah there are some hilariously bad stories in here about students (mostly high school) but it gave me a fresh perspective. My job will never be easy but I will have bad moments that I will be able to laugh about later. I also have a lot of good days with my class. Also I’m just so glad my kids aren’t like the stories in this book- man I would have hightailed it out of there long ago. I’m determined to make this career last for me- I don’t want to burn out and leave the profession but I will need lots of laughter to get there in the end

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. I FINALLY FEEL UNDERSTOOD. Other books that try to describe what teaching in the US is really like don't show how these hilarious/horrifying stories are part of a teacher's every-day life. If this book doesn't reflect your teaching experience, I envy you.

2. Jane Morris is hilarious. The way she describes situations, her thoughts as these situations are unfolding, the example sentences for slang, etc. had me cracking up. She needs to be a comedy writer.

3. I'll be recommending this book to all teachers, future teachers, former teachers, and non-teachers (so basically everyone). If only someone recommended this book to me when I was studying to become a teacher...

4. This book again reaffirmed that I made the best choice of my life when I decided to leave the teaching "semi-profession." Fuck Pearson, indeed.

[roxi Net · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher Misery was a horrifically hilarious book that both made me laugh like crazy at the absurdity of real-life situations that “Ms. Morris” describes but also saddened me at the exact same situations. It’s terrifying to know what really happens in schools and while I don’t feel like I’ve been out of school for eons, the world has changed drastically in the last decade (or so). I applaud the teachers that still persevere despite the insanity and I understand why some teachers change their professions. I’m not sure if I’d recommend this book to new, doe-eyed teachers, but it’s a fascinating read that I think would change students’, parents’ and teachers’ perspective to hopefully make some sort of positive change.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself feeling equal parts grateful that I have not experienced things like some of the anecdotes and commiseration for the ones that sounded a lot like things I've seen or experienced. Seriously, this book reads a bit like a horror story.

Teaching is a tough profession, and it's not for the faint of heart. Just like Morris, I feel called back to a classroom year after year. The only complaint I have is that the end needed just a little more warm and fuzzy to balance all the crazy terrible garbage preceding it. I have a file called "why I do this, " and on bad days I pull it out and flip through it.