Teacher Misery: Helicopter Parents, Special Snowflakes and Other Bullshit by Jane Morris

Teacher Misery: Helicopter Parents, Special Snowflakes and Other Bullshit by Jane Morris

                If you are looking for a book that is going to sugarcoat how amazing it is to be a teacher then you might as well throw this book out of the window because this is not the book for you. But this is the book that people need to read to understand the climate of schools in this era. Classroom teachers are severely underappreciated and neglected. This book written by a teacher under the pseudonym of Jane Morris is a testament to the everyday struggles of teachers in public schools.

                Morris decided to separate this book into three different parts: Students, Parents and Administrators. Why you may ask? Because these are the three different elements that teachers have to deal with. Each part is equally depressing and distressing and you won’t want to believe any of it. Unfortunately I have enough experience working in classrooms to believe and acknowledge that the crazy she mentions is all too plausible. I wish I could read this book, shake my head and exclaim “There is no way any of this true.” But I would be lying to myself and to you.

                What Morris did really well with this book is provide examples of why so many problems exist in this day and age. Work samples from students in her class, statements from other teachers, combined with her experiences creates a case for teachers and their frustrations. When you are trying to teach a class and students are disruptive, disrespectful, uninterested and unengaged you look to parents and administration to help. If the parents are clueless or entitled or don’t care then the next step is administration. When administration leaves you out to dry what do you? You’re hands are tied.

                There is a problem right now with the education system in the United States. I don’t have the answer but what it boils down to, in my opinion, is supporting the teacher in the classroom. They don’t have a leg to stand on and that’s what it is so depressing and absurd. I enjoyed this book because I am so glad someone is speaking out. She needed to speak out. More teachers need to speak out in the same way Morris dead. Give examples. Speak on the problems and the misunderstandings with parents and how much things have changed. Respect for the teacher has fallen. It’s obvious in the attitude of parents, students and administration. I’m not sure we are preparing kids for the real world anymore.

                I recommend this book for many reasons. Morris is a great writer who did a great job at presenting her case. She is funny and entertaining. She is above all honest with her interpretation and the things that she sees around her. I liked the variation in text and material. Overall, this books needs to be spread around the country. She isn’t the only person that feels this way. There are thousands of other people out there like her and their voices need to be heard. 

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.