Big Ideas and the Big Picture Summary

7/31/2019 Big Ideas and the Big Picture Summary

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Latosha BaconBig Ideas and the Big Picture Summary

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The Influence of Teachers: Reflections of Teaching andLeadership

John Merrow

John Merrow offers an insightful look into public education. He addresses

issues of teacher influence, the programs that prepare teachers, teacher

evaluation, and who is ultimately responsible for the education our children

receive. Merrow does not merely scratch the surface of what is going in

Americas education system. Instead he delves deeply into hidden areas that

most people either dont care or wish to discuss. He begins the book with a

transparent view into his own short time as an English teacher, moves into his

career as a professor, and shares his vies as an observer.

Merrow (2011) believes that All teacher education programs should be

accountable for and their accreditation contingent upon how well they

address the needs of schools and help improve P-12 student learning (p.

36). He includes information from reports that call for institutions that do the

training of teachers to be accountable for how well the students of their

graduates perform. While this may not be well accepted by colleges and

universities, it is something to consider when trying to get to the root of the

problem with student achievement.

Merrow tackles the tough issues like Intellectual safety freedom to

make mistakes and raise questions- allows real teaching and real learning to

happen (p. 44). He explains how important it is for students to feel safe in

order to take the risk of being wrong in class. Snickering classmates and


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passive teachers do not foster this environment. He also addresses the flip

side of intellectual safety that parents contribute to-intellectual danger. This is

the result of parents placing pressure on their students to get it right and earn

honors. He builds a bridge for fostering conducive learning environments at

home and at school.

According to Merrow, If teaching could become not merely an

honorable calling but also a well paid, well respected profession thats difficult

to get into (p. 37). In his book, he reminds the reader that teachers deserve

far more than what they are getting. Speaking frankly about teacher

qualifications and fast-paced Teach for America type programs, he makes it

relevant to the level of respect and pay that teachers receive. He offers insight

on the ease of admission into teacher education programs and the comparison

to spending five weeks in training to become a nurse. However, he is certain

that the roots of mediocrity and incompetence can be found at many

institutions that train teachers (p. 83) The result of such is ill-prepared, lack

luster teachers. Merrow believes the solution is more teachers and better-

trained teachers (p.79).

Merrow believes that Teachers are uniquely positioned, as I learned at

the reunion to make a lasting impression on hundreds of children (p. 23) He

has a real idea of the power that teachers possess and expect them to

exercise those powers to educate Americas youth. Merrow perceives that if


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teachers were aware of this super power and equipped to make the change,

education would be in a better place.

Merrow states, Over the years I have noticed that the best schools and

the best teachers ask of every child, How are you intelligent, and not How

intelligent are you? That small change makes all the difference (p. 12).

Merrow explains that in most of todays educational settings students are

being forced to show their intelligence inside a box. Students are only given

small windows of opportunity to show how intelligent they are within certain

boundaries using measurable criteria. Rather than giving students the

opportunity to express their intellect rather than exercise the intelligence they

possess.

John Merrow contends that The recipe for success includes some mix of

strong leadership, committed teachers, an integrated curriculum, the

willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and accepted practices, and the

moral imperative to care for an about all of our children (p.154.) Merrow

offers advice that he believes will make American education a better place to

teach and learn. While there is no magic potion for improving education, John

Merrows ideas and suggestions are based on practice, research, and for the

sake of making a difference, worth trying.

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Big Ideas and the Big Picture Summary