“Real Talk for Real Teachers”- Book Review

Have you heard of a fabulous teacher named Rafe Esquith? He is not only a talented teacher, but a writer as well. You might have heard of his book “Teach like your Hair’s on Fire,” which is helpful, entertaining, accurate, and extremely successful. As if that was not enough of an accomplishment, Rafe has seemingly done it again with his new book “Real Talk for Real Teachers.”

Some Quick Background:

Rafe has been teaching since 1984, as long has I have been alive! He found his home at Hobart Boulevard Elementary School in LA, California. As I am sure you can imagine, LA is not Beverly Hills in terms of economics, safety, or type of pupil. With that said, Rafe treated his 5th grade students as astute scholars capable of achieving their dreams and being as successful as other students around the world. Together with his expectations, patience, and dedication they helped his students soar, not only in test scores but in life.

He is so dedicated to his teaching that he often can be found working with students before and after school hours. One of this major contributions is a yearly Shakespearean production in which the actors and fellow students are referred to as Hobart Shakespeareans. Stop by the website to see videos and pictures of his students in action!

What I find so amazing about Rafe is his love of teaching. He loves it so much that regardless of how successful he is as an author or a leader, he will never leave the infamous “Room 56” classroom. He knows where he is needed and encourages all teachers to remain in the classroom. Many successful educators work their way up the system’s ladder to gain various leadership roles, but not Rafe. His impact is in the classroom and every year he follows through on his promise to provide a quality education to all students by instilling the belief that they can become more than their situation or environment. Rafe is truly inspiring.

Like I mentioned, he is a stellar educator. He has received numerous awards because of it, including the Disney National Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award! Check out this interesting Washington Post article and interview on Rafe, entitled “The World’s Most Famous Educator Blasts School Reform.”

My Review:

If you are not already convinced to read this book and the rest of what Rafe has written, I hope my review of his current work will remind teachers everywhere of how important they are to the development of our future.

The book is set up as a progression of a teacher’s career- “from rookies to veterans,” he calls it. I am passionate about working with new teachers so I was incredibly interested in the first phase of the book. Rafe spends time making it clear that the dream of being a teacher to save all students is not only inaccurate but unhealthy. That stopped me in my tracks. Huh? Who would say such a thing? If we are to have high expectations of our students then we should have expectations of our teachers and ourselves! But, then I was reminded of the numerous students that I helped, but did not save. Thats when it hit me…he’s right. If you put all that pressure on yourself to turn around the lives of millions only to be hit in the face with the reality that students are in control of their own destiny not you, no matter how hard you try to guide them down the right path. I would have lost many nights of sleep if I required myself to save each child. It’s impossible. You can inspire, but not save. That is up to the student themselves, and frankly changing that mindset is hard to do in just one year in your fabulous classroom.

But that’s what’s so great about Rafe! He is dedicated to the development of his students, especially when they are no longer in his classroom. His past students show up to help out in the classroom and always show up for the Shakespearean production at the end of the year. They even have Thanksgiving dinner in Room 56 for gosh sakes! He’s awesome. All of his students have a real chance to find their own version of success by his constant influence in and outside the classroom. This lifelong relationship is what might save a few students, but like he says…its an unrealistic dream and expectation to place on yourself, especially as a new teacher.

What I have come to love about Rafe is that although he is an expert in delivering enriching and engaging content to his 5th graders, he is passionate about creating well-rounded children. He teaches them the importance of using manners, being respectful and considerate of those around them, and how to contribute to society in efforts to make it a better place for all. He believes that teaching students how to be their best selves in normal everyday life situations will help them achieve their dreams. For example, he prepares his students months prior to their non-required weekend field trip to D.C. He teaches them how to close their hotel room door quietly so as not to disturb other guests, or how to place their bus ticket in the same location in their pocket so they never lose it, or how to properly ask a question when one is lost or confused. These life skills are essential to being succesful in the real world. WHY ARE WE NOT TEACHING STUDENTS THIS? Well, that is not a question for school or district leaders. It’s a question for us teachers. Even though the curriculum is demanding, these are essential lessons. These will impact students NOW. We must make time. We have to make it relevant. Rafe has mastered delivering content and life lessons that are always applicable in and outside the classroom. He’s right. He doesn’t need to leave the classroom. He is right where he needs to be. I hope he can help other teachers join in the mission to better prepare our students for life outside the classroom. Maybe then we will have a brighter future.

A Few of my Favorite Quotes:

• “It takes a lifetime to become a master instructor.”
• “When you have a bad day, you are not a bad teacher.”
• “We caution students to hang out with the right kids, you need to hang out with the right teachers.”
• “Simplicity and consistency will inspire the kids to great heights.”
• “You are never finished.”

If you couldn’t tell, I absolutely loved the book and of course Rafe! I highly recommend any works of literature that pertain to Rafe and his decades of experience in the classroom.

Share your own thoughts below on Rafe’s experience, advice or impact! 

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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