There Are No Shortcuts

Obsessive teaching

If I had read this book before reading "Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire", I would have skipped that book. Rafe Esquith is highly successful with his students and his teaching techniques but his methods are unrealistic for teachers who are devoted to family, friends, church, and charities along with teaching. I found his account of becoming sick while in a motel with students especially disturbing. He became sick because of pushing himself beyond human limits with his extra jobs and lack of sleep. Not only does he leave students alone in their hotel rooms but when he becomes sick, he is not even in the hotel. I would never encourage teachers to adopt his lifestyle of teaching methods. His criticism of other teachers violates the many creeds he expects students to live by, the first being "Be kind." Though well-written, this book was annoying in many ways and I was tempted to leave it unfinished.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Rafe's stories are easy reading.

Rafe's commitment and concern for the children of the city is transparent in this easy to read narrative of a no excuses approach to teaching and learning. It is a good book for college students preparing to teach in the city or as a book club reader as a discussion starter.

Great summary of purpose of the teacher. Excellent usable techniques seemingly appropriate for target audience.

Reading this book lead me to his latest book, "Teach as if your Hair's on Fire," which I found refreshing for the state of teaching today. It is a great demonstration of what teachers *can* do, and of how dis-empowering the public education system has become. Thanks.

Absolutely love this book !!

This book is amazing! The author is so generous! I was able to find an email for him and he spent 30 minutes on the phone with me helping me apply his ideas to my younger children. I am a homeschool mom and it definitely energized me and showed me how much more I can fit into my day! What an inspiration! Thanks, Rafe for working at 2 am to get this book out for all of us. Pam S.

Incredible man

Rafe Esquith is by far the best educator around. His undivided devotion to his craft and his strong moral and ethical foundation have given him a gift beyond anything one could expect of a public school teacher, the faith to believe in the infiniate potential of every student to walk through his doors, and the clarity to help them see it and ultimately reach it. He creates a 'culture of excellence' in a world ravaged by crime and poverty. His work is a must read for anyone involved in education, teachers, parents, and administrators (if you can stomach his criticism of the people he's worked under over the years.) Don't stop at his books, this is a guy to watch.

Teacher to Teacher

Definite recommended reading for all educators and parents, but especially for those teaching in similar situations. Not another 'my way is the only way' book to harangue us into change, but an invitation to explore and improve teaching by sharing our passion for learning with students. Thought provoking and timely.

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