Letters to a Young Teacher

Discuss Kozol’s views regarding efforts to privatize education, including the implementation of voucher systems. Are Kozol’s concerns about the privatization of the American education system valid? Why or why not? What might the benefits of a fully or increasingly privatized American education system be?

Kozol expects teachers to bring their playful and creative selves into the classroom, to provide attention and patience to difficult students, to develop positive and mutually beneficial relationships with the parents of students, to establish good relationships with older colleagues who can occasionally be difficult to get to know, and to be honest with children about difficult topics. They must also find ways to satisfy the curriculum and the school administration, to make sure students succeed on mandatory tests, and to maintain optimism and an activist attitude in the face of a crumbling infrastructure. Does Kozol expect too much from public school teachers? Are teachers who simply fulfill the criteria of their job without any particular enthusiasm doing something wrong? Why or why not?

Is it appropriate for teachers to be completely honest with children regarding the failings of the public school system in general and the failings of their own school’s administration? Is it a teacher’s role to explain to students the myriad ways that a student’s own success is predicated on factors outside of their control, like school funding? Is it possible, as Kozol recommends, for teachers to communicate this delicate subject matter in ways that young children can appreciate and understand? Why or why not, and how might teachers accomplish this?

Kozol suggests that teachers shouldn’t feel obligated to present information in an unbiased or impartial way; rather, teachers should present their points of view in as subjective, leaving room for students to form their own opinions. Kozol even expresses delight when students viciously disagree because it means they are engaged with the material. Discuss the pros and cons of this teaching method.

The author connects school segregation in the mid-20th century and modern forms of school segregation. What are the differences between the earlier form of racial segregation and the modern forms? Is it helpful to compare the racial segregation situation in schools during the era of the civil rights movement and 21st century school segregation? Why or why not?

Kozol criticizes the current public school system from a progressive leftist point of view, championing a public system and criticizing privatized education. How would representatives from other political viewpoints address the shortcomings of the current American education system?

Discuss the book’s take on the correct balance between using lifelong experience and expert pedagogical recommendations to create a teaching philosophy. Generally speaking, Kozol embraces the benefits of teaching experience and dismisses expert teaching advice. What does experience offer that expert knowledge can’t? How can expert knowledge supplement teaching experience?

Discuss a teacher’s responsibility toward difficult and oppositional students. Kozol implores teachers to be patient with difficult students and to give them time and space to break through their difficulties. What is the appropriate balance between giving extra attention to students with behavioral difficulties and giving enough attention to the rest of the class?