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Biographical note
Michael I. Allen works in Boston as an academy director and principal in a vocational school specializing in technology and as a special topics faculty instructor at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. An avid photographer and archer, he has been an educator for seventeen years, eight of those years as an administrator.This book is an unvarnished and often poignant look at urban education in the twenty first century. It is an extremely fascinating and caring look at some of the many follies inherent in a big city school system and a work that clearly recounts the plight and pitfalls of the students and educators within the schoolhouse walls. It is a must read for the future teachers and administrators of America's public schools.
- Charles D. Burgess, author and former director, Boston Public Schools,
Michael Allen gives us a remarkable account from the front lines of public education. The details can be painful as he describes his first-hand experience dealing with inner-city schools in crisis. But the points he makes are authenticated time and again by the words of students, parents and colleagues. His unvarnished portrayal of Boston schools reminds us of the complex set of skills—everything from a nimble application of tough love to a commitment to excellence—brought to bear every day by the nation's best educators. The result is an engaging guide to academic achievement for the kids who need the most and who all too often receive the least. Throughout this book, Allen offers a nuanced portrayal of contemporary school life, showing us a leader filled with compassion, humor, and a spirit of humanity that others in public education would do well to emulate.
- Parry Teasdale, editor, The Independent, Hillsdale, NY, former chairman New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, and former member,
Veteran educators will laugh and cringe, nod their heads and sigh as Michael Allen eloquently captures the light and dark side of teaching. Essential reading for education majors whose idealism has yet to experience the shock of first contact. A must read for a delusional public who thinks teachers have too much pay, too little work, and too much vacation.
- Dr. Christopher Jasparro, associate professor, Geography and Security Studies,
As a father of four girls and a girls soccer coach for ten years, I have seen the best and the worst of our children. Bill Cosby will give Michael Allen a big hug and an AMEN when he catches wind of this phenomenal expose.
- Bill Overton, actor, author, and producer,
This is a fascinating book that deserves our close attention—don't miss it!
- Cornel West, Union Theological Seminary,
Mr. Allen's book is truly realistic and full of exceptional humor.
- Chuck McAfee, 1999 Milken Recipient, headmaster/director, Madison Park Technical Vocational High School,
I found the book very real and reflective of urban education today. It was also helpful to see someone explore the humorous side of education and the dedication needed to make a difference for "kids."
- Dr. Joanne Newcombe, former professor, Bridgewater State College,
Allen uses anecdotes from his years of teaching to demonstrate the range of needs and extra burdens of inner-city students. He does not offer solutions for specific problems but suggests through his own example that teachers and administrators require a panoply of strategies and endless understanding and compassion to do their jobs.
Reference and Research Book News
Michael Allen has a unique way of capturing the experience of teaching in an urban district with both humor and poignancy. His book is instructive to new teachers and verifying to veteran teachers. I would recommend it to any teacher or prospective teacher. It is destined to become a classic in education.
- Dr. Pamela Brucker, Southern Connecticut State University,