"Most of the students I have mentioned have turned out to be hard working and productive adults. Some of them may have been successful because of me and some probably in spite of me. I would like to think it was the former."
 |
Of Children and Unicorns by Joe Robert Trafford Publishing
book review by P. Hooper
A veteran schoolteacher, Robert offers a collection of short stories about his experience as an Exceptional Student Education (or ESE) teacher. His classes were filled with students with emotional, developmental and intellectual delays, along with many who had learning or physical disabilities.
This collection features stories about his teaching experiences, some funny, others heartwarming. Despite their delays, Robert's students touched him deeply. One such student was Johnny who was very disruptive, always seeking attention, even if it was negative. Robert learned to harness Johnny's energy while also providing him with positive reinforcement. Soon, one of the most disruptive students in the school was cooperating beautifully. Before the winter break Johnny told Robert he would miss his teacher. Other stories in the collection are funny anecdotes that highlight the sometimes simplistic or naïve way in which his students view the world. The collection also includes anecdotes about his fellow teachers and the parents of some of his students.
Peppered throughout the book is commentary on the state of our current educational system. Robert often holds a very traditional view of education, deriding administrators who push teachers to use methods which Robert views as time consuming and useless. While Robert's stance might seem old fashioned to some, it is obvious that he has the best interests of his students at heart. These stories provide great insight on the plight of a public school ESE teacher. They also give the reader a glimpse of the most important part of the educational process: the special students.