When teaching science in an inner-city high school, Elizabeth Blake tries to find a way to reach her at-risk students. But when crushed by shootings, gangs, drugs, a riot, and abusive principals, can she overcome the stress and find the ultimate meaning behind her life's struggles?
In No Child Left Behind? The True Story of a Teacher’s Quest, Ms. Blake tells of her decision to leave a well-established career and take on an incredible challenge – teaching in a school for at-risk students. She is appalled at the lack of support from some administrators, but encouraged by the shared commitment of other colleagues. She is moved by the needs of students headed toward failure, losing some but saving others. This is a compelling message about one woman’s vision, that no child be left behind.
Excerpt
The heavy cardboard box of teaching materials fell with a thud on the garage floor. Rummaging through my various supplies, exhaustion suddenly overtook me. My shoulders slumped and I sat in the dust with a sigh. Only in my fourth year of teaching, I wondered: could I continue with this? The memory of just a few hours ago whirled like a bad movie in my mind as my eyes drooped shut.
Slowly the boy turned around to face me. I was in the front of the classroom, holding the attendance sheet in my hand. He stood a few inches away for a moment, glaring at me. His menacing eyes never left mine as he boldly approached me. We stared at each other as he walked up to me and stood one inch in front of my face.
He closed the distance between us and I could see the hatred blazing in his eyes. He stood slightly taller than I did and was solid muscle. His lips curled into a threatening sneer as he spat out the words, “F*** you, bitch.”
In an instant, his hands were on my shoulders and he shoved my body against the wall behind me. I felt the barrier against my back, like a trap. My mind frantically begged, Help me, Lord!
What brought me to that frightening place? Why did this happen to me, overwhelming me to the point that I could barely continue? I needed to know the reason for this brick wall I ran into after fighting for so long. Gangs, drugs, shootings, a riot – they had all strengthened me, but now I wondered if I could even go back again tomorrow. What was the purpose of my struggles these last four years? I refused to stop searching until I figured out why my journey had led me here.
Professional Reviews
Suite101.com
In No Child Left Behind?, Elizabeth Blake gives an honest and courageous assessment of her years teaching science to at-risk students. Blake, who currently creates science materials for homeschoolers, has provided a moving account of her passion for teaching at-risk students.
Richard Blake (no relation), Amazon Reviewer
I found Blake's writing style compelling, often heartbreaking, yet positive in attitude and approach. I especially enjoyed the follow up on some of her students who have moved on to enroll in various college programs or to pursue professional training for promising careers. No Child Left Behind? The True Story of a Teacher's Quest is a book that should be read by every school administrator. It should be required reading for educators, teachers and administrators within any inner city school district.
Leon Lewandowski, Author
Absolutely compelling! I expected the book to go in a very different direction than it did, and I must admit I was tremendously pleasantly surprised. I have been a teacher for twelve years and can relate to much of what Ms. Blake wrote about. She takes the reader into her world and doesn't let go of them until the final word. I got to know her students, fellow teachers and administrators through Blake's use of metaphors and descriptive writing. The moment I finished the book I had to email her directly, I was so impressed. I think the book would be fascinating to anyone interested in education at any level, but I'm recommending it to every teacher and administrator I can!
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Reviews for "No Child Left Behind? The True Story of a Teacher's Quest"
(Richard M. Feldman) Ever since I was a young boy, the only thing I wanted to be was a cowboy. I wanted to own and work on a real ranch, with cattle and horses. Especially horses.
While I never became a cowboy, considering everything I have done
TRUE STORY. Bella survived an abusive powerbroker father with organized crime ties, a drug-addicted mother and a physically/sexually abusive brother. Shocking & inspirational. When she couldn't cry, she tattooed a crying angel to cry for her.
Sepsis knocked her down and out. Faith, hope, and gave her the strength to get back on her feet. I am a Runner She fought the river of death They said she'd never run again
She proved them wrong...
