A Disgrace to the Profession

Readers Comments

"The newspaper has removed the article from their website, so the text that they published is reprinted below:"A Disgrace to the Profession" Vindicates, Validates Teachers in a Big WayJane Burns, Minneapolis "Star Tribune" Published May 26, 2003DSGVARSubversive wouldn't be the first word used to describe a couple of retired Des Moines teachers. But in many ways, that's what Gretchen Kauffman and Charles Newton are.And it's contagious.Kauffman, 56, and Newton, 75, are co-authors of "A Disgrace to the Profession," a novel that created a stir in Des Moines that the authors hope will spread to the Twin Cities. Their book, about teachers fighting bureaucracy to do their jobs, already has found fans nationwide, thanks to word of mouth among frustrated teachers who swear the book was written about them."Somebody gets it," said Lucretia Jeffers, who teaches social studies at Metcalf Junior High School in Burnsville. "That's what this is about."The book's Des Moines-based publisher, Myers House, is doing the literary equivalent of a "cold call," sending the book to Twin Cities high schools and middle schools. A retired teacher gave Jeffers the book, and another three copies are circulating among 15 teachers at her school, Jeffers said. "Everybody goes to school, but nobody knows about school," Jeffers said. "You read this, and it's, 'Aha! Yes!' "Fourth printing The novel follows a few months in the lives of teachers Nicholas Staal and Karen Merchant of fictional Martha Bancroft High School in Des Moines. They try to teach their students, they have classes and extracurricular activities added to their schedules, they sit on endless committees with irritating acronyms, a student is barely punished for beating up a teacher, and a micromanaging principal seemingly enjoys making their lives hellish. Nick questions authority and points out the hypocrisy of administrative bureaucracy. That gives other teachers courage to do the same and sets up a good guys vs. bad guys scenario. Nick and Karen also start an anonymous underground newspaper that becomes the buzz of the district and the bane of the evil principal's existence.The book has sold more than 3,000 copies, with a fourth printing of another 2,000 copies scheduled for this summer. "A Disgrace to the Profession" was the best-selling novel at Borders in West Des Moines, Iowa, last year, bumping out anything about Harry Potter. A positive Booklist review in February brought greater national attention.The authors' Web site (http://www.disgracetotheprofession.com), on which readers vent about their schools and bosses, has received hundreds of messages, many anonymous.There was this: "As teachers, we are overdue to learn to quit silently accepting and enduring the unacceptable, and start fighting back against the absurdities and stupidities that prevent us from doing our jobs."And this: "An astute teacher said there are two school districts, one for administrators and school boards, and one for students and teachers. This novel clearly shows him to be correct."Another suggested that it be required reading "for all politicians."They also get phone calls. Kauffman picked up the phone at 8 a.m. recently. The voice on the other end asked simply, "Is this the author?""She said, 'I want to thank you for writing this book so I can read it before I die,' " Kauffman said. "She was a former teacher with terminal cancer."Another former teacher picked up the book at a gas station owned by Newton's son along Interstate Hwy. 80. He then ordered 20 copies. "He said it gave legitimacy to his career," Kauffman said.Kauffman and Newton insist that the underground newspaper is the only thing lifted out of their real lives as teachers at Des Moines Lincoln High School. The rest is fiction. Sort of."We got an e-mail that said, 'You and that Gretchen Kauffman are impostors," Newton said, 'because you didn't teach in Des Moines, Iowa. Everything in that book happened in my school in Youngstown, Ohio.' "That's what Jeffers liked about the book. "There are so many people exactly like the people in the book," she said. "There are administrators who worry about where people park but don't get the big picture. There are other books about teaching or teachers, but they don't know. They don't."Kauffman and Newton hope a major publisher will scoop up rights to the book. But they already have done what they set out to do -- give teachers a voice. Anything else is a bonus."It wouldn't be a movie starring Robin Williams," Kauffman said. "It's not 'Dead Poets Society.' It's not teacher/magician or teacher/star. It's just about people who are doing the work."Jane Burns is at jburns@startribune.com."

--Jane Burns, Minneapolis Star Tribune

""Having spent many years of our lives as students, we can all relate to the plight of classroom teachers, but 'A Disgrace to the Profession' reveals a unique insight into the professional lives of teachers and the real world of behind-the-scene struggles as they battle with an unprincipled principal and inept, unscrupulous administrators."Although the authors present a fictionalized story, it is definitely real. They develop a compelling true-to-life drama exposing the bureaucratic nightmare that impedes teaching, stifles teachers, and drives them from their chosen profession. I can relate to the main characters, who have the courage of their convictions and who serve as an inspiration to us all as we resist "administrivia" and fight for our professional autonomy.""

--Bill Page, teacherteacher.com

"I found your book at Bound to Be Read in the twin cities when I was visiting my girlfriend. It is now making its rounds amongst my family (all teachers) and amongst the college commuity I live and work in. I am a grad student in education and found more inspiration in your book than in four years of undergraduate experience. Ready to make a difference. TD"

--T. Dickson, Flagstaff, AZ

"I'm a retired 4th grade teacher who spent 29 years in the classroom. I loved every page of your book. So much of Bancroft was my school! Especially our principal ,who lived in fear of a laswuit or that something would get "into the community." He stayed in his air conditioned office and, like your fictional principal, would not let teachers in to discuss a problem until 5 minutes before their classes resumed. He literally harassed teachers who lived in fear of their jobs. We were overburdened with meetings. As at Bancroft there were acronyms for everything. My favorite was BEPS--best educational practices. Thanks for writing about what must be a universal probelm in our educatinal system! I am ordering more books. "

--Withheld, Minnesota

" 'A Disgrace to the Profession' was entertaining reading with a powerful message. The authors barged in and made me question how I view our schools and those who labor there. Most surprising, they did it with an easy to read and touching novel. I am a Des Moines School Board member and I was captivated by this book. I am not an educator and 'A Disgrace to the Profession' allowed me to get inside the minds of teachers. It was enlightening, humorous, frustrating and moving. 'A Disgrace to the Profession' should be standard issue for teachers so they know they are not alone. 'A Disgrace to the Profession' should be mandatory reading for administrators and school board members to remind them about those struggling to teach. 'A Disgrace to the Profession' should be read by every adult who cares about education. Three cheers for Charles Newton and Gretchen Kauffman."

--Graham Gillette, Des Moines, IA

"Hurrah to you for publishing this book!!!! A city paper ran a review. I got the book that week. It took several weeks to read the first 100 or so pages. I just finished the last 200 in one sitting. How did you know this is the school system I teach in? It's not Karen, Nick, David and George. The "Good Ol' Boys"Club" meets frequently. They hire sons and daughters or important town people's children. Poor teachers are allowed to go on. Principals...habits create needs. I've just finished my 29th year in lower elementary. I've been chastised for running in the halls when I had a Kindergarten class of 30 in one building and another class of 29 in another building, traveling between the schools from 11-12, lunch and prep time. I've been chastised for calling parents too often. I've been told to move a classroom of "stuff" overnight, staying until 1:00 a.m. several nights in a row. This book couldn't have happened in Des Moines; it's happening right here. Education...Karen, Nick...please come to teach in my building. We need your fortitude, dedication and ability to stand up for what is just! Sincerely, (Name withheld, I need my job.)"

--Withheld

"This novel shows the crossroads where fiction unveils reality.This novel made me feel that I was in the classroom again.For many years I listed the follies and foolishness of a number of principals and their club of central administration cronies. This book summarizes the list in a well-crafted reading.Is this fiction or non-fiction. How can you tell the difference?WIll principals, central administrators, and school boards be able to sleep without nightmares when they read this?An astute teacher once said there are two school districts, one for administrators and school boards, and one for students and teachers. This novel clearly shows him to be correct.Every teacher who endures an incompetent principal should carry this book around each teaching day as a notice that they arecognize administrative incompetence when they see it.No teacher, parent, administrator, or school board member can afford not to read this novel."

--L.H., former teacher, Iowa

"I just finished "A Disgrace to the Profession" last night. It has been a long time since I haveread a book where I felt compelled to seek it out every free moment I hadavailable. The book is extremely thought provoking and I will take some time inthe near future to forward some of my reactions. If you find a book storethat will carry the book here in Denver, please let me know so I may directothers to where they can purchase it for themselves. It is definitely on mystrong recommendation list of books to read."

--A.J., Denver, CO

"The title itself proved to be engrossing--started reading the novel upon its arrival and finished a little after 4 pm. I read it front to back and didn't read its conclusion first, which is unusual for me. The main female teacher and her mother were very well created. The developing love affair between that teacher and the leading male teacher actually worked. "A Disgrace to the Profession" is a very good read. . . it's to Myers House' credit that this title is being offered. Please accept my real appreciation."

--D. Davis, Fargo, ND