I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had

My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High

By: Tony Danza

Narrated by: Tony Danza

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Long before he starred on some of television’s most beloved and long-running series such as Taxi and Who’s the Boss? and went on to distinguish himself in a variety of film and stage roles, Tony Danza was a walking contradiction: an indifferent student who dreamed of being a teacher. Inspiring a classroom of students was an aspiration he put aside for decades until one day it seemed that the most meaningful thing he could do was give his dream a shot.

What followed was a year spent teaching 10th-grade English at Northeast High - Philadelphia’s largest high school with 3,600 students. Entering Northeast’s crowded halls in September 2009, Tony found his way to a classroom filled with 26 students who were determined not to cut him any slack. They cared nothing about “Mr. Danza’s” showbiz credentials, and they immediately put him on the hot seat.

It was only after experiencing abject terror for several weeks - and even dissolving into tears on several occasions - that Tony began to pick up the tricks of how to get kids to learn.

Featuring indelible portraits of students and teachers alike, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had reveals just how hard it is to keep today’s technologically savvy - and often alienated - students engaged, how impressively committed most teachers are, and the outsized role counseling plays in a teacher’s day, given the psychological burdens many students carry. The audiobook also makes vivid how a modern high school works, showing Tony in a myriad of roles - from lecturing on To Kill a Mockingbird to coaching the football team, organizing a talent show, leading far-flung field trips, and hosting teacher gripe sessions.

Inevitably, Tony’s students steal their way into our hearts - in a way that always feels authentic. A surprisingly poignant account, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny but is mostly filled with hard-won wisdom and feel-good tears.

©2012 Tony Danza (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

simply awesome

this book is amazing. so true, so honest, so real. never been so moved by a book before. awesome.

Who knew Mr. Danza had this in him?

I believe this book is worth a listen. I am a retired military officer and my daughter has a degree in education and is looking for a job as a teacher. I downloaded this book because I had an interest in what it was like during the first year for a new teacher. I sure got my moneys worth. I wish I'd known about the book earlier, I think Tony Danza has the intelligence, sincere concern, and charisma that would enable him to make a great president. Bottom line I guess it's up to the kids to make the most of their opportunities and for the most part if they get an education it is in spite of the system. And God bless the teachers.

Good general listen, but very focused one school

What did you like best about I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had? What did you like least?

It was interesting to hear Tony's perspective. I respect his effort and know how difficult it can be to be in the classroom

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I like a broader perspective

What aspect of Tony Danza’s performance would you have changed?

He did well. No complaints.

Did I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had inspire you to do anything?

Currently volunteering. Will advocate education as a forefront political policy. If the next generation isn't ready to step up and take our current national policies forward in a positive, intelligent and educated manner, why bother. Regardless of the topic, or which angle you advocate for; SCIENCE, economy, defense, equal rights, environment, international policy - if we raise a stupid generation that can't add, divide, write a complete sentence or think innovatively, we're screwed.

Very Interesting!!

I really enjoyed this book and was very glad I listened to it. It is not Tony Danza's memoir--it is the story of his one-year experience teaching in Philadelphia's largest high school.

It is written with humor, and narrated very well by Tony. It was a tougher-than-expected experience for him, and a real eye-opener. Good for him--and thanks for sharing with the rest of us!!

From one teacher to another

Thank you Tony Danza, I absolutely love this book, and recommend it for all teachers!

Should be standard issue for EDU-200

I’m biased on this matter because this was a required reading assignment for the course I’m currently enrolled in, but having this audio as a companion piece to the written text makes processing and digesting everything so much more relatable hearing his voice

I would like to thank some of Tony's teachers

I only knew Tony Danza from the 1980's TV show "Taxi", but, through this book, I found out what a great guy he is. But more importantly, in this book, Tony Danza lets me peek at some of the real lives of the kids who attend a public school in Philadelphia. I never watched the cable TV "reality show" that was part of this, but I know this actor went much deeper than a role in the TV show. He stayed with the class after the TV show production ended, and he still keeps in touch with some of the students. It's really heat-breaking what some of these kids have to go through in their personal lives AND go through the high school life that is so important in determining their future. We all know how important education is, but most of us, including myself, tend to think "education" in rather abstract way. This book brought me back to the time when I went to a public school but also reminded me how important this short period can be in shaping the kids' future. For this, I now feel that high school teachers probably play more important roles than college professors do. We often hear about negative things about teachers in public schools, but, considering what they are up against, we don't give (at least many of) them enough credit. Tony Danza honestly describes what went through his mind during his interactions with the students and other teachers and admits his flaws, mistakes, and vulnerability. I could tell that Tony Danza himself had some great passionate teachers. He is a great narrator by the way. Many of the scenes made me cry (and I almost never cry listening to audiobooks).

An honest look at education today

What was one of the most memorable moments of I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had?

I like the way Tony Danza works in the major problems of todays education system.

Any additional comments?

A very good listen, too bad it didn't do better on TV.

Heart felt and Scary

What did you love best about I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had?

This was an interesting view of what it would be like to go into teaching and also what can be accomplished if more people would spend the time and/or money to make education a priority.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did make it through the book in a single day. It wasn't one sitting, but that wasn't for lack of effort.

A powerful commentary on education in the US.

a terrific, touching account of teaching in an inner city school. made better by being read by the author. a must read/listen for teachers and students.