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Stories from a Teacher
"On my first official day of teaching, I had a backpack with me. There was nothing in it. I don't really know why I took it. Maybe it made me feel more secure, the way children sometimes carry around a blanket or a teddy bear.
I actually hadn't prepared anything. I had no lesson plans, no ideas about what I might say. I had no books, no materials. I didn't even think I was going to have a job until the day before. Since the call, I was meeting with all kinds of people to get my paperwork finished and I had no time to prepare.
Some teachers decorate their classrooms. I hadn't bought any posters or decorations. The walls of my classroom stood bare.
I got there about two hours early, standing in the middle of the room, feeling a little sick. Maybe it was something I ate, but my stomach spun around inside me.
But then, as I stood there, examining the bare walls of the classroom, I started to realize, Room 203 was my room. Mine. No one else would teach in this room but yours truly, for the next 180 school days. Of course, I had been in the room a few times before, but on this day, the room belonged to me. My dream had become real.
The gravity of the whole situation really made me want to throw up."
- excerpt from Stories from a Teacher
*NOTE TO PARENTS/READERS* - Book contains some adult language/content. Book's linked short stories will resonate with high school students and young teachers.
note - v 1.102 - 1/3/2015
I actually hadn't prepared anything. I had no lesson plans, no ideas about what I might say. I had no books, no materials. I didn't even think I was going to have a job until the day before. Since the call, I was meeting with all kinds of people to get my paperwork finished and I had no time to prepare.
Some teachers decorate their classrooms. I hadn't bought any posters or decorations. The walls of my classroom stood bare.
I got there about two hours early, standing in the middle of the room, feeling a little sick. Maybe it was something I ate, but my stomach spun around inside me.
But then, as I stood there, examining the bare walls of the classroom, I started to realize, Room 203 was my room. Mine. No one else would teach in this room but yours truly, for the next 180 school days. Of course, I had been in the room a few times before, but on this day, the room belonged to me. My dream had become real.
The gravity of the whole situation really made me want to throw up."
- excerpt from Stories from a Teacher
*NOTE TO PARENTS/READERS* - Book contains some adult language/content. Book's linked short stories will resonate with high school students and young teachers.
note - v 1.102 - 1/3/2015
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2012
34 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 13, 2013
I taught high school English, and I know that teaching is hard. Excruciatingly, heartbreakingly difficult. If you've never been in a classroom, officially responsible for subject matter but becoming a counselor, a parole officer, a shoulder to cry on; or if you have, and need articulation of what keeps you going or what made you stop, I highly recommend Stories From a Teacher by J. Flores.
He chronicles his four years teaching high school English, told in about two dozen stories. He writes about the ups and downs, the humor and the despair:
- meeting with a parent who wanted his son's grade changed from passing to failing, to teach him that life is tough.
- joking with his students about skipping school, until one girl missed because of a miscarriage.
- guiding the students to open up about their troubled home life and helping them find help.
- turning a story about his college days into a lesson on alcohol consumption.
- making an impact on a student and not realizing it until he meets her again five years later.
Each story teaches a lesson, either to the kids or to the author himself - and often, it may not be a lesson he wants to learn. Basically, this book boils down to: life is hard for these kids. How much of himself can he truly give to make it better? Can he actually make it better?
He chronicles his four years teaching high school English, told in about two dozen stories. He writes about the ups and downs, the humor and the despair:
- meeting with a parent who wanted his son's grade changed from passing to failing, to teach him that life is tough.
- joking with his students about skipping school, until one girl missed because of a miscarriage.
- guiding the students to open up about their troubled home life and helping them find help.
- turning a story about his college days into a lesson on alcohol consumption.
- making an impact on a student and not realizing it until he meets her again five years later.
Each story teaches a lesson, either to the kids or to the author himself - and often, it may not be a lesson he wants to learn. Basically, this book boils down to: life is hard for these kids. How much of himself can he truly give to make it better? Can he actually make it better?
October 14, 2012
This book is so awesome, I am almost beyond words. Flores puts into very real detail the overwhelming emotional minefield that is teaching, and I wish we could read this as a staff book study at school instead of motivational crap like "Who Moved the Cheese?" It is such a shame that he didn't stick with teaching, because I think he's brilliant, but moving on is an understandable choice, given what he experienced. This should be required read for school board members and administrators in urban school districts, as a window into the minds of students and teachers.
December 20, 2012
Certainly one of the best self-published efforts out there, but little niggling errors like "reign in" instead of "rein in" drive me bonkers and undermine his credibility as a teacher.
(You can "rein in" your impulses, as you would a horse, but you "reign over" your nature. Make sense?)
That doesn't detract from his message: Teachers are overworked, underpaid and expected to be heroes. Even the best can get ground under.
The teacher problem reminds me a lot of the thesis of Connie Willis's Domesday Book, set in the era of the Black Plague. We like to tell ourselves that we are descended from heroes, that the best survived. Actually, we are descended from cowards, because it was the ones that ran away and left everyone else to die who survived.
The good teachers, the ones who care and fight hard, often get burned out and have to leave the profession, while so many that just collect a paycheck and sit fearfully at a desk grind on forever. At least, that's our impression. I know personally many good teachers who hung in there and we were glad of it. But it's the barnacles who give the profession a bad name. They're the reason that we can glorify teachers after something like the Sandy Hook shooting and then turn right around and tell them they're paid too much.
Honestly, I don't understand why pro athletes get to make such spectacular wages, but teachers get pennies by comparison. I mean, I do, but I think it's bullshit.
(You can "rein in" your impulses, as you would a horse, but you "reign over" your nature. Make sense?)
That doesn't detract from his message: Teachers are overworked, underpaid and expected to be heroes. Even the best can get ground under.
The teacher problem reminds me a lot of the thesis of Connie Willis's Domesday Book, set in the era of the Black Plague. We like to tell ourselves that we are descended from heroes, that the best survived. Actually, we are descended from cowards, because it was the ones that ran away and left everyone else to die who survived.
The good teachers, the ones who care and fight hard, often get burned out and have to leave the profession, while so many that just collect a paycheck and sit fearfully at a desk grind on forever. At least, that's our impression. I know personally many good teachers who hung in there and we were glad of it. But it's the barnacles who give the profession a bad name. They're the reason that we can glorify teachers after something like the Sandy Hook shooting and then turn right around and tell them they're paid too much.
Honestly, I don't understand why pro athletes get to make such spectacular wages, but teachers get pennies by comparison. I mean, I do, but I think it's bullshit.
October 17, 2012
This book touched me in ways that I thought not possible. The author clearly was one of the 'good ones', a teacher that wanted to change the world, one student at a time. I loved the laughter and connection that was displayed throughout the book. My heart broke as I read the poignant chapters that so deeply characterized the thoughts and inner workings of a teacher that actually cares. I felt this book deeply. I was a teacher in what I deeply suspect was the same county. Ironically enough, if it was the same county, when I match up the dates....Mr. Flores was talking and teaching the contemporaries (or even the same students) that I had taught in elementary school just a few short years earlier. This book has brought out my emotions which to me heralds a great read. What emotions? It made me yearn to return to the idealistic profession of teaching even while it cemented my decision to leave that same profession. Mr. Flores knocked one out of the park with this book.
September 16, 2013
I got this book as a free kindle download and glanced at it at first because I have been a teacher myself, since 1989. I see some points in common with my experience and a couple that are really different, but I did find this book to be very captivating for the authenticity of its voice. As a high school teacher, Mr. Flores had more leeway with the topics he covered and more ability to speak directly with his students about real life, and sex, suicide and abuse than grade school teachers have. I am also the Mom to two boys who just graduated high school in the last couple of years and I see in a few of their favorite teachers some of that same honesty and willingness to be less than "proper" to connect with the students.
I haven't taught high school since my student teaching days, but even in the preschool, severely handicapped classrooms, and the middle school English classes where I have spent the most time, I have seen the same issues. Kids are dealing with so much in their real life, that impacts how much attention and respect they can give to their school life. More important than if their teacher says a swear word in front of them, is if their teacher cares about them. They will learn so much more, and try harder, when they feel that the teacher sees them and cares for them. You feel that caring in the way Mr. Flores writes.
The things that were different for me, He writes that it was hard to talk to people about the real world of working as a teacher, because people don't spend a lot of time with teachers, and aren't used to seeing teachers. He also spoke of the one time a parent came to his room without having a prior appointment and a guidance councilor present, as a scary thing. That may be why he only lasted 5 years.
In my community, there are teachers and parents mixed in a lot of social situations. If I go to a movie or out to eat, I always run into students and their parents. If I go shopping I end up stopping to chat every time, with families of students. Parents come in and out of the school, and drop by the classroom, and have eaten dinner at my house. Sure, at times the parent is angry and a meeting has to be held, but over-all there is a partnership, a mutual attempt to do what is best for the children, and communication. Mr. Flores, I loved your book and your heart was in the right place, but you should never have been so shielded from the very people who most could support and encourage you.
I haven't taught high school since my student teaching days, but even in the preschool, severely handicapped classrooms, and the middle school English classes where I have spent the most time, I have seen the same issues. Kids are dealing with so much in their real life, that impacts how much attention and respect they can give to their school life. More important than if their teacher says a swear word in front of them, is if their teacher cares about them. They will learn so much more, and try harder, when they feel that the teacher sees them and cares for them. You feel that caring in the way Mr. Flores writes.
The things that were different for me, He writes that it was hard to talk to people about the real world of working as a teacher, because people don't spend a lot of time with teachers, and aren't used to seeing teachers. He also spoke of the one time a parent came to his room without having a prior appointment and a guidance councilor present, as a scary thing. That may be why he only lasted 5 years.
In my community, there are teachers and parents mixed in a lot of social situations. If I go to a movie or out to eat, I always run into students and their parents. If I go shopping I end up stopping to chat every time, with families of students. Parents come in and out of the school, and drop by the classroom, and have eaten dinner at my house. Sure, at times the parent is angry and a meeting has to be held, but over-all there is a partnership, a mutual attempt to do what is best for the children, and communication. Mr. Flores, I loved your book and your heart was in the right place, but you should never have been so shielded from the very people who most could support and encourage you.
January 19, 2013
This is a short but interesting perspective of one man's experience as a public high school English teacher. Covering four years of teaching HS reading, Flores succeeds in reaching the readers and causing them to engage with the issues present in the classroom and education today, as well as enjoy the humorous situations that teachers find themselves in with a classroom full of young men and women.
There are several light-hearted moments and scenes, however most of the vignettes that Flores offers his readers are of a more emotionally stirring and even tragic turn. High school students today have to deal with several issues that are incredibly difficult for even adults to handle well. Some of the issues that are discussed or mentioned in the book are teen pregnancy, broken homes, drug/alcohol abuse and suicide.
One aspect of this book that really struck me is how much the author really cares for the students in his class. He is not a teacher who simply gives out assignments and passes out grades; he is one of those fantastic teachers who really invest in their students. I have been lucky enough to have several of these teachers as my own in school and several more are friends of mine in whom I can see that same care and devotion.
Anybody who is considering being a teacher or who wants to understand what it really takes be a good teacher, you should read this book. It may change your perspective or give you a deeper insight into teaching teenagers.
There are several light-hearted moments and scenes, however most of the vignettes that Flores offers his readers are of a more emotionally stirring and even tragic turn. High school students today have to deal with several issues that are incredibly difficult for even adults to handle well. Some of the issues that are discussed or mentioned in the book are teen pregnancy, broken homes, drug/alcohol abuse and suicide.
One aspect of this book that really struck me is how much the author really cares for the students in his class. He is not a teacher who simply gives out assignments and passes out grades; he is one of those fantastic teachers who really invest in their students. I have been lucky enough to have several of these teachers as my own in school and several more are friends of mine in whom I can see that same care and devotion.
Anybody who is considering being a teacher or who wants to understand what it really takes be a good teacher, you should read this book. It may change your perspective or give you a deeper insight into teaching teenagers.
August 3, 2012
As a teacher, I could totally relate to this book. The author doesn't pull any punches and writes about the bad things as well as the good things he did. I like that he admitted mistakes and explained how hard it is to be a good teacher. I really enjoyed his explanation of how some teachers have absolutely no life- no time for family, exercise, cleaning, hobbies, etc.-just to be a great teacher and how it is not worth it. You need some time for yourself. He explained that if he assigned an essay and spent just 15 minutes reading and grading each one, it would be 51 HOURS of his own time to correct them all. If he spent 6 hours daily grading JUST the essays, he would have them done in 9 days. No wonder we feel overwhelmed! The students want the work back right away- I have had students come to me after school and ask if I had graded what they turned in an hour before!
I understand being anxious, but really??!
It's sad that he decided to get out of teaching because I can tell he was an amazing teacher.
I understand being anxious, but really??!
It's sad that he decided to get out of teaching because I can tell he was an amazing teacher.
April 20, 2013
Wow.
After four years of teaching high school, Jonathan Flores has wrote his letter of resignation. When his students demanded to know why. In response he wrote this book of stories that span his teaching career. His plain, no-nonsense language describes in gritty detail the physical stress and the emotional pain of carrying the weight of society on your back. He details how teachers' lives often become unbalanced, how the students lift you up so high, and how they beat you back into the ground. Stories about class discussions are hilarious, while the realities of teen suicide are heart breaking. But these are all things that a teacher bears. I definitely recommend this book to all of my teaching friends, and also to anyone considering becoming a teacher. This is how it is.
After four years of teaching high school, Jonathan Flores has wrote his letter of resignation. When his students demanded to know why. In response he wrote this book of stories that span his teaching career. His plain, no-nonsense language describes in gritty detail the physical stress and the emotional pain of carrying the weight of society on your back. He details how teachers' lives often become unbalanced, how the students lift you up so high, and how they beat you back into the ground. Stories about class discussions are hilarious, while the realities of teen suicide are heart breaking. But these are all things that a teacher bears. I definitely recommend this book to all of my teaching friends, and also to anyone considering becoming a teacher. This is how it is.
September 1, 2012
This was fun and engaging - an easy read. I was able to pick it up and put it down without a problem. These are stories of his four years teaching high school. But only four years and just stories. He does a good job of explaining a teacher's workload -- that each required essay (200+ students, 15 min per essay) is 50something hours of grading. And he's required to have 7 essays per class per year. He talks about the good kids, and the bad, the pregant and the teenage parents. It underscores problems in our educational system without becoming political or having a solution. It is fun and funny. It is heart-warming and gut-wrenching. And if you can read this, you should thank a teacher.
February 15, 2013
I'm a teacher and I recently finished both this book and the similar book "Learn Me Good". Maybe it's because I also teach older age groups, but I far preferred this book! Jonathan Flores collected so many unique and touching short stories that it was difficult to take a break between stories... "just one more!" I'd keep promising myself. He writes acknowledging both stereotypes of teaching as a noble occupation and as a mostly thankless occupation. His stories made me feel better about my worst teaching days.
June 11, 2013
I found this book eerie- only because a lot of the events that happened in Mr. Flores' teaching career have paralleled my own... My first year of teaching was highlighted with a "go fuck yourself" as well. I do not blame Mr. Flores- I also was a young teacher of color, who felt that I needed and had the responsibility to change the world. I recently left teaching to continue earning a graduate degree full time, but Mr. Flores' stories encourage and remind me that there is so much work left to do in education. If you are teacher- you should read this book!
August 5, 2013
A must read for anyone that is weighing the idea of entering into a career in education. With first hand experience working in inner city schools facing down real students and real problems it gives great insight into how to not walk away from a school year feeling burned out! He also gives some great advice on how to not give up when everything seems to be against! However, I personally took away from this book that it is essential for teachers to have a distinct separation in life where they can be teachers but also be people!
June 11, 2013
I know Jonathan personally. We actually did some of our undergrad teaching training together. I, too, only taught for a few years before giving up and moving on to a new career. I've experienced many of the situations he portrays, from the parents who actually don't want you to mollycoddle their children to the ninth-grader who drops out of school to have her baby. Jonathan does a great job of fictionalizing undeniably real situations. But he doesn't have any answers. And neither do I.
October 15, 2012
This is a great book by a great teacher. The book is honest and touching. I think we lose the great teachers, like Mr. Flores because great teachers have a high burnout rate. I really enjoyed reading the candid snapshots from the classroom during the four years Flores was a high school English teacher. I hope to read more from Flores in the future. I got a free Kindle edition of this book from Amazon.
October 15, 2012
A bright young man becomes a teacher to make a difference in young lives and, thereby, in society. His bittersweet stories are must-reading before one ever votes on education budgets or talks about how easy teachers have it, are over-paid, have too much time off, etc. Can society afford to lose educators like Jonathan Flores because they fail to cover his back? Can it afford to let students fail because no one cares? While fully enjoyable, this is also a thought-provoking book.
October 20, 2012
Very powerful book. Hard to read, impossible to put down. Tells the story of teaching pretty well. The Author's school was a bit rougher than my first and a lot rougher than the one I am at now, but, the challenges translate. I'm sorry this young man got burned out on teaching so quickly. Sadly, it happens...
"A teacher is like a candle, giving of itself in order to light the way for others." Damn right...
"A teacher is like a candle, giving of itself in order to light the way for others." Damn right...
November 23, 2012
From a teacher's perspective, this book is hilarious and easy to relate to. Jonathan shares some great stories, that often leave you in shock. I felt like I could relate to his dejected attitude at times as well as his appreciation for teaching in the end.
Our job is not easy and this story lightened the hard parts of teaching and made me feel like someone else knows exactly what I go through.
Our job is not easy and this story lightened the hard parts of teaching and made me feel like someone else knows exactly what I go through.
October 3, 2012
As a former educator, I would like to say this is the most dead-on first hand account of teaching I've ever read. More inspiring than any feel-good Hollywood film, this book brought back many fond memories and not so good ones. A highly entertaining read.
November 10, 2013
Very good portrayal of difficulties teachers face daily. It is truly a job where it is easy to loose yourself and forget that you have to put you first sometimes. However, seeing the heartache these kids live with it's a hard balance to find.
January 16, 2013
Raw reflection on the emotional toll teachers take in the classroom, from struggling in the first years to dealing with bad administration to the emotional turmoil it takes to be invested in the lives of your students.
May 4, 2013
This brought back many memories of my high school English teaching years at the beginning of my career ... 30 years ago before changing to an educational field I loved more -- the library! He wrote with a sincere, believable perspective. I liked it.
May 17, 2013
I really enjoyed Mr. Flores' anecdotes. Some were disturbing, some were heartwarming, and some left me wondering what happened to the students involved. Wish Mr. Flores would share more stories from his teaching days.
September 7, 2013
Wow, this is an eye opening, honest and touching account of a young teachers first 4 years of teaching. I have always known that I could never have what it takes to be a good teacher and I have tremendous admiration for those that do it well. My admiration has been raised significantly....
September 7, 2013
Jonathan Flores has written a funny, poignant memoir of his four years teaching English in a public high school. What really sticks, more than the humor, is the tragedy that faces high school students today. This is a very timely look at being young and in school. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 10, 2013
Loved this book! Heart wrenching but so honest and true. Wish all parents and anyone associated with educating today's children would read this book. Maybe it would make a difference in the future of education.
January 27, 2015
I work at a public school. This is the REAL deal. I found myself inserting teacher and student voices from my past as the people being written about. Funny, Sad, scary and very real. I highly recommend this book.
October 14, 2014
Wonderful book. I would highly recommend to anyone planning to teach high school or middle school
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December 4, 2012I'm enjoying his perspective of teaching young people.
December 30, 2015
Highly readable. Hilarious and horribly tragic at the same time. As a teacher I could definitely relate to some of the author's angst.
December 17, 2012
Another book by a teacher that left teaching. I'm surprised he didn't get fired after the stuff I read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews