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I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High Audiobook
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(3.02) - 1,019 listener ratings
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Long before he starred on some of television’s most beloved and long-running series such as Taxi and Who’s the Boss? and went on to distinguish himself in a variety of film and stage roles, Tony Danza was a walking contradiction: an indifferent student who dreamed of being a teacher. Inspiring a classroom of students was an aspiration he put aside for decades until one day it seemed that the most meaningful thing he could do was give his dream a shot.
What followed was a year spent teaching tenth-grade English at Northeast High — Philadelphia’s largest high school with 3,600 students. Entering Northeast’s crowded halls in September 2009, Tony found his way to a classroom filled with twenty-six students who were determined not to cut him any slack. They cared nothing about “Mr. Danza’s” showbiz credentials, and they immediately put him on the hot seat.
It was only after experiencing abject terror for several weeks — and even dissolving into tears on several occasions — that Tony began to pick up the tricks of how to get kids to learn.
Featuring indelible portraits of students and teachers alike, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had reveals just how hard it is to keep today’s technologically savvy — and often alienated — students engaged, how impressively committed most teachers are, and the outsized role counseling plays in a teacher’s day, given the psychological burdens many students carry. The audiobook also makes vivid how a modern high school works, showing Tony in a myriad of roles — from lecturing on To Kill a Mockingbird to coaching the football team, organizing a talent show, leading far-flung field trips, and hosting teacher gripe sessions.
Inevitably, Tony’s students steal their way into our hearts — in a way that always feels authentic. A surprisingly poignant account, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny but is mostly filled with hard-won wisdom and feel-good tears.
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"I felt that Danza gave a very honest and candid view into what it's really like to be a teacher in today's world. His passion for his students really came through in his writing, and he did a good job depicting the struggles that teachers encounter on a daily basis. My one disappointment is that he did not teach a full schedule of five classes. I think if he had, his perspective would be even more honest and eye-opening."
— Laura (4 out of 5 stars)
I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had Listener Reviews
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" I really enjoyed this book because, while it doesn't completely replicate the true workload of a teacher, it does identify the real issues, emotional and otherwise, they have to face. I wish the tv series had had enough commercial appeal to succeed. "
— Linda, 2/13/2014 -
" I was never a big follower of Tony Danza but this book made me a big fan. "
— Lauren, 2/1/2014 -
" Fabulous! This was an excellent look at the classroom & education today. "
— K, 2/1/2014 -
" I read this book in a day. I couldn't put it down mostly because the things that Mr. Danza was writing about were things I have experienced as a teacher. He beautifully portrayed for the world the hardship, heartbreak, happiness, and joy that all comes with being a teacher. "
— Jessica, 1/28/2014 -
" A good read. I could relate. I feel like a rookie teachers most days walking into classrooms; never knowing how I will be received. Mr. Danza has a big soft heart and that gets him into messes. "
— Cindy, 1/24/2014 -
" I listened to this book and thought it was great. I liked that tony danza was reading it. "
— Jennifer, 1/20/2014 -
" I liked this book more than I thought I would, and I suspect that teachers will enjoy it even more. "
— Tracy, 1/17/2014 -
" Really loved this read. I was skeptical at first. Wondering about Mr. Danza's motives. But I do believe this project and book were very sincere. I only wish he had continued teaching. Anyway, definitely worth the read! "
— Megan, 1/4/2014 -
" An outsiders look at what it takes to teach high school in the U.S. in this day and age. The story is engaging, with clear and honest writing. Difficulties in the school, the classroom and even Tony Danza's personal life are not skipped over but dealt with. I loved this book. "
— Suzan, 12/11/2013 -
" Still a brat. Final chapters too preachy "
— Garth, 10/23/2013 -
" This was a very enjoyable book - just about exactly what I expected. Danza came across a lot like the characters he has played - a genuine and down to earth good guy. I liked the conversational style, and the respect he showed for teachers and students. I'm very glad I read it. "
— Ralph, 8/28/2013 -
" interesting perspective--it's nice to hear someone actually recognize how hard of a job teaching can be. Although he didn't have a "true" teaching experience, he did participate in many aspects of the school to get a taste of what it was like. "
— Diana, 7/30/2013 -
" Thank you, Mr. Danza! A great and moving tale. "
— Keith, 4/3/2013 -
" Tony Danza tells a good story and does a decent job of showing what we teachers are truly up against. He demonstrates great respect for the profession and shows genuine love for his students. It was nice to learn the story behind the story of his failed A&E reality show. "
— Philip, 3/22/2013 -
" Tony Danza always wanted to be a teacher. He found an opportunity to fulfil that dream. I loved this book! I wish that all teachers could have and SHOW that kind of dedication to their students' success. "
— Rachel, 11/19/2012 -
" I enjoyed reading Tony Danza's memoir of his year of teaching. He now understands and appreciates what most people don't understand - teaching is a difficult but extremely rewarding job. "
— Jennifer, 11/3/2012