Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches

by Gerry Brooks

From an elementary school principal and popular YouTube personality, inspiration and humor for educators to tackle the challenges they face day-in and day-out

Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal turned YouTube celebrity who entertains K-12 teachers, administrators, and parents across the country. He tells jokes with the kind of mocking humor that gets a laugh, yet can be safely shared in school. After all, even great schools have bad days -- when lesson plans fall through, disgruntled parents complain, kids throw temper tantrums because they have to use the same spoon for their applesauce and mashed potatoes, and of course, dealing with... The Horror! The Horror!... dreaded assessments. Ranging from practical topics like social media use in the class­room and parent-teacher conferences to more lighthearted sections such as "Pickup and An Exercise in Humanity" and "School Yes, We Really Need All That Stuff," Go See the Principal offers comic relief, inspiration, and advice to those who need it the most.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Teaching, Humor, Professional Development, Audiobook, Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2019

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little bit confused by the audience of the book; it switches from ideas directed to admin, then teachers, the parents, back to admin... and yet it was nice to hear those different suggestions, too.

It’s also way, way less funny than the videos I’m used to that are created by the author. He admits that those are extreme versions of his real self, so after a little bit I got used to the idea that this was more of a serious book (when I had predicted I would have been belly laughing the whole time) but it’s definitely not what I had expected.

I ended up loving the last chapter (an hour of material) which are recommendations from various teachers and principals of their best ideas... I ended up listening to it twice and writing lots of them down!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be given to all new teachers and all kindergarten parents.

[Becki · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a former middle school teacher, I do enjoy Gerry Brooks videos. I follow him on Facebook and YouTube, appreciating how each video is both relevant and humorous. So, I was super excited to learn he had written a book.
Then I read the book.
It was a disappointment. I think my overarching issue was I’m not sure who this book was directed to. One chapter (or paragraph…or sentence) would be clearly addressing teachers. Then the next would jump to parents. Or administrators. Or bus drivers. Who is the true audience, because I don’t think this book clearly reached any of them.
While there were some funny bits, there were also many incomplete thoughts and ideas. Additionally, the transcriptions of some of his videos just don’t work. You need the visuals for the humor and key points to come across. They were weird to just read.
For now, I’ll be sticking with the videos to get my Gerry Brooks fill ups.

Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

See other reviews at https://mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[britt_brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Principal Gerry (pronounced like “Gary,” it turns out) Brooks’s videos! This expansion on his social media success is a great read for both educators and parents. Thoughtful, funny, and full of useful advice. Definitely go for the audio, as he narrates perfectly.

[Whitney George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gerry Brooks!

He is a current principal and tells the truth to educators and parents. I highly suggest this book to all educators, leaders, and even parents.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digital audio narrated by Gerry Brooks and Angela Gonzales
2.5**

Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal in Lexington, Kentucky. Apparently, he’s also a YouTube celebrity of sorts. I’ve never seen any of his videos, but I might have to look him up. I think – though am not sure – that this book might be a review of some of the topics covered in his YouTube videos.

I don’t have any children. I’m not a teacher. It’s been a long time since I’ve personally been in school of any kind, let alone elementary school. Things are obviously different … and yet.

I do recognize many of the issues with the cafeteria / lunchroom. With juggling all the supplies. With bathroom breaks. With playground issues.

I would probably have found this funnier if it was closer to home and I could relate. As it was, I thought it was more “instructional” than entertaining.

The book includes a glossary of terms, as well as a final chapter, titled “The Answer Key: Teachers Teaching Teachers,” in which advice sent in by teachers on various topics such as “5 tips I wish they had taught me in college” or “5 ways to sustain a strong marriage for educators” is relayed.

Brooks performs the audiobook himself, except for the last chapter, which is read by Angela Gonzales.

[Erin Seitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe my rating isn’t fair, but I only gave this book 3 stars because it wasn’t at all what I expected. With a title that alludes to “tales from the trenches,” I expected to hear some wild, funny, or heartbreaking stories that Gerry doesn’t talk about in his videos or his tour (I really am a fan of the guy!). Instead I found a repeat of his tour and transcribed videos that fell flat in writing. While I also realize that he clearly states when he’s talking to parents versus teachers versus bus drivers in his advice...I found the whole lack of a clear audience confusing. I would not buy the book for a parent, yet there were pages that would be valuable for a parent to read. So then who is this book really for?

Gerry is funny in his videos. He’s also a wonderful public speaker. Maybe he’s a great principal too. I just don’t think writing is his forte. And hey, that’s okay. You just can’t always do it ALL at a 5 star level.

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a few complaints with this book: 1) I was under the impression that it would be more anecdotal (like school horror stories) but at times it felt more like a textbook 2) I also thought it was going to be funnier, and although it had funny moments, in general, it felt like a required reading 3) because of the authors background in elementary schools the book and its stories and strategies revolve around elementary for the most part, which I felt I couldn’t relate to very much… on the upside, it was funny at times and I feel like I did learn something 3.5/5

[Monica Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Gerry Brook’s videos. My team made me the monthly meeting motivator because I usually use one of his videos to get us ready for our meeting. This book was good and included many of his stories from his videos. I did laugh at many parts. I really want to share this book with my parents and principal. The end was the best part because it gave some nice strategies which I always find useful. I gave this 4 stars because I would have loved even more strategies or advice for teachers throughout the book.

[Kristal All · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am disappointed in this book. I expected a series of amusing anecdotes revealing the author's experiences as a teacher and principal. But instead it's a disjointed mess of advice that has no consistent audience. I admire the author's humor in his videos in real life and I agree with all the advice in the book; however, overall this book was not enjoyable and took me way too long to find the motivation to finish.

[Kelly Bucheger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerry Brooks is my favorite on Facebook and Instagram. His book was just as funny as his posts but also provided good advice for parents and teachers. His school sounds amazing and I would love to work for him!

[Tessa Merhalski-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every parent, teacher, person needs to read this book!

[Kendra Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way better on audiobook! To hear his humor from his own voice is so much better than reading it myself. I read the first half and listened to the second half. Lots of comedy but also lots of practical tips and knowledge. ☺️

[Marianne Cheramie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Go see the principal", written by Gerry Brooks, is presented in a different format with inserted tables, drawings, lists and numerous indentations. When browsing at books at Barnes & Nobles, I was attracted by its originality and the vivid colors of its cover. I had heard about the author and I had seen a few of his videos. First, I tried without success to read "Judgment Detox", by Gabrielle Bernstein. I was completly unable to connect to the book. Thus my quest at Barnes & Nobles.
Gerry Brooks approaches almost all possible subjects related to school in his book. He gives a very thorough description of the four components of any school's life: administrators, teachers, students and parents. He does so using humour and common sense, being often somehow direct with the adults in order to preserve the students' wellbeing, "all in the spirit of serving students" (page xvii)
The book is mainly geared towards elementary life but most of Brooks's observations and comments can be applied to higher levels.
A very strong element of Brooks's philosophy is his belief in happiness. If a principal support his/her teachers and create a positive and happy atmosphere in the school, teachers, students and parents will be impacted by this positiveness. Happy teachers have happy students :"...when teachers feel like their time is protectedand their administration wants to support them, everything else falls into place."(page 42)
Students need to see school as a safe, happy and nurturing place, especially in our actual stressful world full of violence, social media and busy parents. Brooks cautions readers about the dangers of social media, stating that parents should be aware of what is happening socially in text messages and on social media. He advocates parents to teach "students to be responsible, respect themselves and care for other people" (page 91). Brooks also warns teachers about what they post on social media and suggests to be aware of own's surroundings.
Another essentiel point to a happy school is communication and feedback. Teachers need to communicate with parents regularly to build relationships and prevent problems. Teachers need also to clearly communicate with students

[Stephanie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of Gerry Brooks' videos on FaceBook, so for me it was a no brainer to read his book for our summer reading. Brooks was first a teacher, then an intervention specialist, and now in administration. It was interesting to see his take from each point of view. He gave advice to not only teachers but ALSO to parents. There was definitely a lot of humor in this book but I really enjoyed the meat and potatoes -- His thoughts on how to have a successful school environment.

Here are a few of his talking points that really resonated with me:
When you communicate, school teams talk through every decision and everybody gets a say.
When we have compassion toward one another, we consider the reasons for people's opinions.
When we compromise, we see a positive result.
It's important to show appreciation to everyone at school from the bus driver to the teachers to the custodians.
Take the time to build relationships with your students. Clear, pleasant, regular communication can happen between parents and teachers, if they both recognize opportunities to better support each other.
There's room for all students to celebrate victories, not just the athletes.
When teachers feel their time is protected and their administration wants to support them, everything else falls into place.

This is a great read for both a first year teacher and also a seasoned veteran. For me as an educator, it always help me grow to hear what others are doing to further their growth as a professional. I highly recommend this book!

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read for teachers and administrators who are fans of viral video sensation Gerry Brooks. I was lucky enough to see him speak in person, and he included many of the same anecdotes in both his speech and his book. If you are not able to see him speak, I highly recommend reading his book to read some of his hilarious stories.

Of course, I enjoyed reading Gerry’s stories and words of wisdom, but I also really enjoyed the last few pages of the book where he included advice from other teachers. I enjoyed reading advice from some other teachers I love to follow on Instagram, including Hope and Wade King and Jen Jones.

My only issue with the book was the organization. Gerry organized the book in order of a school day, i.e. before the school day, during lunch, etc. Some chapters were directed towards teachers, while others were directed towards parents or administrators. I think it would’ve made more sense to organize the book into sections dedicated to those professionals. All of the chapters were enjoyable to read, but as a teacher, I could’ve skipped over those directed towards principals or others.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

First sentence: I'm an elementary teacher that has taught every grade with the exception of Kindergarten. *
Footnote:*Because I'm not insane.

As a teacher, I relate to and find so many of his youtube videos funny! His book, though, I can't really recommend. The character from his videos doesn't work as well in written form, but the main problem is he doesn't know who his audience is. It's mostly written as advice to all adults involved in schools-- teachers, parents, principals, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, counselors and social workers, secretaries, PTA. The advice is sprinkled haphazardly and is only surface level.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an educator thing. It really is. What surprised me about this book, but it shouldn't have, is how genuine and heartfelt it is with funny truths and good advice. I need our administrators and teachers and staff to read this book. It's good to laugh about the common problems we all have to deal with, and it's always good to remind ourselves why we do this and to remember we're all in this together...for the children.

[Jeimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, that guy! This was my reaction when I realized who the author is. Educators might recognize his name from the videos that he has uploaded to social media. Videos that have made him a viral sensation. In this book, Brooks talks about what he does to shape his school's culture. he includes advice for teachers, parents, and administrators. Overall, I enjoyed this very fast read.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh just watch the videos.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Gerry Brooks since the first time I saw his video about gifts for teachers. It was hysterical and I giggled at his accent too. He truly gets the life of an educator and can make everyone laugh. Back in August I had an opportunity to see him speak at a conference in Lakewood, Ohio and he was amazing. He is just as funny in person but he genuinely cares about his staff, parents, and students. Among all the laughs were truths and understand. I wanted to read his book afterwards and I found it just as humorous but also an understanding of educators, school staff, parents and students.

His advice that I gleaned from the conference was that I now have a plastic ant and a small baby pacifier on my desk to remind me that I do not work alone and my job requires me to carry 10 times my body weight at times, and that all the children in front of me are somebody's baby.

Side note that I learned: He pronounces his first name like Gary and not Jerry!!

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal and YouTube celebrity entertaining school personnel and parents alike. But behind the humor are practical tips for giving children a successful school year. He discusses such topics as communication between the school and parents, the way kids learn, and extracurriculars. He gives common sense tips with a good dose of humor. This book would be great for teachers and parents alike to read before the new school year approaches.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I wanted to love this book but just didn't. I appreciate and agree with a lot he says but it isn't anything I haven't heard before. Parts of it were funny and it was a super quick read. Maybe my expectations were set too high. Or maybe I wanted it to fall into a defined category- was it a book about humorous teacher incidents? A book on how to be a better teacher? I'm just not sure. Still would go see him speak if given the chance.

[Kyla Schooling · Rating 5 out of 5]

You either love or hate Gerry Brooks and his weird sense of humor...but the truth is that he is always spot on with his anecdotes about education. He mixes the expected humor into this manual for student/parent/teacher/admin interactions, but he also fills the pages with very practical information for each role. In the back of the book he includes a top 5 list from educators around the country on topics such as engaging a culture of readers, flexible seating, and how to take good care of yourself. I felt inspired after reading it.

[Chelsea Beisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written in a way to reach a wide audience: from admin, to teachers, to paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and parents alike. A little something for everyone! — Gerry has a knack for making anyone laugh with a shared experience. His videos have gone viral on YouTube and Instagram. This book was much the same. But do not miss the point..

His advice is simple and straightforward; climate culture in school systems is vital to the health of the industry. After also attending one of Gerry’s speaking engagements due to one of our beloved PD days, I feel like his speech mimics the book very well. He does an excellent job conveying his message!

[Lara Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor and Wisdom rolled into a highly readable important book! Buy your own copy and more for your teacher friends. This would be a great One School One Teacher Read or PD book. Opens the door to telling those funny stories that happen in a school but also engaging in meaningful discussions on perspectives, partnerships, and quality instruction.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know a single elementary school teacher (or spouse of one) who isn't a Gerry Brooks groupie. I have been watching his youtube videos for a few years now, and boy, do they ring true! This is a must read for anyone involved in the elementary education lifestyle! If I could give it more stars, I would!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting and funny. Working in education, the small paragraphs at the start of each chapter while funny had so much truth in them! I was disappointed that even in the reading chapter that Librarians were completely absent from the book. Even bus drivers got a mention but librarians ALWAYS seem to be overlooked in any book focused on an educational setting. Apart from that annoyance I had fun reading it!

[Brenden Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, a cheeky guide/guidebook to being an elementary school principal written by a principal who went viral with viral southern-fried YouTube videos. The book is thin and the final hour is outsourced tips from less charming education influencers. But this slight volume is a fun look at the life of a principal that offers a intriguing and charming viewpoint that comes neither from a teacher nor a parent (though he has kids himself, he speaks as an educator).

Fun for those interesting in this sort of thing (perhaps for an active PTA member or fellow administrator) but it likely wouldn’t have crossed my reading list if not for research.

[Jon Gottschall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with a lot of helpful insights. I just wished it would have been focused on the principal, teacher, or parents. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot. However, the advice and wisdom shared kept bouncing around. As someone who hopes to be in education administration soon, I was hoping it would be geared more toward principals.