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Jonathan Kozol (Author)

Group Response To The Other Questions

Provide on the author and his motivation for writing the book

Foremost a speaker against neo-conservative ideologies in school systems specifically against children of color in poverty stricken areas. Kozol provides a detailed guideline for a first year teacher named Francesca who is an elementary educator. Throughout the narrative which is written in letter format, Kozol declamation on the politicizing of the current education system and the intricacies of modern education. The narrative although not a linear narrative is meant to provide a running dialogue for new educators.

Identify the purpose or aim of the book. What is the thesis or main idea?

The main idea of the book thus far is to communicate with the Francesca, a first year teacher in a Boston public school. Kozol writes these letters to offer advice to a young teacher. The book has started out addressing issues from the start of the school year reflecting on issues and concerns from the start of the year for Francesca's.

Summarize the key aspects of the book and/ or its structure. 

All the information Kozol gives throughout the book is given via letters to a first year teacher named Francesca.  Kozol is replying to letters written to him trying to help Francesca grow.

The key aspects of the book are:

• what you need to know as a first year teacher.  
• Reflection - Taking experiences and applying them into an ever growing pedagogy.
• Connections - Teaching the Young but learning from the old. 

Within the book Kozol discusses a different experience he has learned through his time as a teacher in order for Francesca to grow and become the best teacher she can be.  Kozol thinks that it is highly important to foster creativity as a teacher in order to keep the classroom interesting and the curriculum fun for students to learn.  

Quotes and Fun Things!

Group Response To The 5 Essential Questions

Who is the educated person?

The educated person as presented in, "Letters To A Young Teacher" is in the opinion of our group not just one individual. The educated person includes without a single doubt Kozol, whose experience and knowledge have a profound impact on both Francesca and reading educators There are also many members of the faculty that can be considered an "educated person" because of their role in the development of not only Francesca's first year teacher training, but of the individual student's learning processes. Francesca can also be considered one of the educated people of the narrative because through professional training, the guidance within the letters, and her own experience she grows to becoming a more educated person. Because of the nature of the book our group as learning educators should also be included as the educated person or people. 

What is worth knowing?

The community and the individuals that take part of the social atmosphere, understanding another persons value system and vocabulary. At times being a good teacher does not mean teaching how to be a good teacher. Kozol's experiences and the experiences of other first year educators are worth knowing because they define the first year teaching process and provide a ethical and dynamic guideline. The information that is being taught to the student, but needs to be able to be applied to their own cultural and social circumstances.

What is good learning?

Good learning is reflecting not only on your own experiences but others. Being able to put aside the curriculum, due to the individual preferences of each student and each educational experience.  adaptation of learning through application, there won't be a script ready on the first day of school, but understanding how to mold your pedagogy through experience is pivotal through continual learning.

What is good teaching?

Good teaching is creativity by making the classroom dynamic while being able to manage the established curriculum. It comes from adapting dynamic experiences and learning and reflecting that in your own pedagogy. Understanding that not everyone will be able to manage or handle every educational experience but understanding how to overcome that challenge plays part in good teaching.  Kozol references that good teaching is not always being prepared but understanding how to teach although you might not have all the tools or preparation necessary. Good teaching involves taking in the curiosity of the students and nourishing a caring environment for the students.

What is the purpose of school?

The role of school is to foster an environment that is supportive of learning. School from the context of Francesca as the learning educator is a learning environment in itself because it is so dynamic and intrinsically demanding. School can in a sense foster a negative and restrictive environment that can provide challenges for not only the faculty but also the students within, it is our roles as educators to promote a healthy learning environment to dispel any negative perceptions or tribulations. The single most dangerous conception within the educational ecosystem is that a school should not be in the business of lying to children.