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.

Enjoyed it.

Listening to Tony Danza's voice on the train was delightful. His personality is spunky and the story is funny. Fun.

You'll Love Tony Danza Even More!

What made the experience of listening to I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had the most enjoyable?

Hearing Tony talk with that trademark accent. You can just picture him sitting across from you sharing his experience.

What other book might you compare I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had to and why?

None, this was unique because Tony's experience was unique.

Which character – as performed by Tony Danza – was your favorite?

Tony himself. I love the honesty he tells the story with. And I love how he refused to semi-script his reality show, even at the risks that were presented as a result.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laugh at his story telling, I cried with him many times. His soft heart is so admirable!

Any additional comments?

Anyone who has been in the teaching profession or even knows someone in the teaching profession will love this book. It is so relatable. Plus, who DOESN'T love Tony Danza?!

Interesting Look at High School

It was interesting to follow the students and Tony Danza through the school year. Danza came off as a decent human being with a very interesting life (as a boxer/actor/talk show host/teacher). I'd also be interested in reading a memoir of his life, because it sounds fascinating. The pacing of the audiobook never lagged.

My quibbles: There is a lot of discussion of his marital troubles while he is teaching 3,000 miles away from his wife and kids, but we never find out whether he was able to save his marriage and we hear nothing about how things went when he went home for winter break. Also, Danza is extremely pro-union and barely touches on the drawbacks of teachers' unions.

Recommended to anyone interested in education

At the present time, the media representation of our education system and teachers is at an all-time low. Mr. Danza's experiences, while rougher than most teachers, does point out the dis-service that the media gives to education. There are caring teachers, there are opportunities for students to learn, there are helps for struggling students. Listening to Mr. Danza read this book brought back all the memories of my first few years of teaching: the ups, the downs, the overwhelming frustration of wanting to help students whose situation, parents, and/or own choices have put them at odds with learning. I love listening to his voice, his inflections, and his emotions!

Funny, poignant, touching, heartwarming

Made me appreciate even more the many wonderful public school teachers i had the privilege of learning from. His passion comes through so vividly! If we had a teacher like him for every 50 students can you imagine what could be accomplished???

Entertaining, thoughtful, very good narration.

Would you listen to I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had again? Why?

I liked the book a lot but I rarely listen to books twice so probably not.

What did you like best about this story?

Mr. Danza did a great job relaying his experiences and sharing what he was thinking and how he felt. I liked hearing about his interactions with the kids.

What about Tony Danza’s performance did you like?

Mr. Danza is upbeat but thoughtful and intraspective throughout.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Good book. Nice job.

Outstanding... An excellent and inspiring story.

I loved this book and shard with my daughter who is in her 5th year teaching. I also have been considering a layer life career change and am 1 class away from completing my masters degree in education. This is a must read for every teacher and those considering teaching as a profession.

We Need More Teachers Like Tony!

If you could sum up I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had in three words, what would they be?

Genuine, caring, & human.

What other book might you compare I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had to and why?

I don't think I have read anything like it. I could compare it to reality tv, which what Mr Danza was actually doing with his students and writing about in this book.The series was called "Teach". I have not been able to find the series to watch. Comparing it on a reality tv basis, this was far better and real.

What about Tony Danza’s performance did you like?

He came across as very ernest and his students meant the world to him.

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

Yes, it was very entertaining.

Any additional comments?

Loved the lunchtime half sandwich club!

Appreciated

As a 20 year veteran teacher, I am grateful to Mr. Danza for publicizing his unique perspective. As I am approaching the end of another year, the Starfish story reminded me that I can't make a difference to every student, but i don't have to.

The real deal

G
This is a great story and Tony's telling of it himself adds to the honesty and emotion