Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches

Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches is by Gerry Brooks. I have been watching videos by Gerry Brooks on Youtube and loved them. I decided to learn more about him so Googled him. That was when I found out he had written two books. Only one was available on my Kindle, so I got it and ordered this one as a hard copy. I am so glad that I took the time to learn more about him and found these books. This one is just what a new teacher should read. It covers a lot of things; but in a funny way. I do have to admit that his videos are funnier. However, as a former teacher, I can easily see where he is coming from and basically agree with what he is saying. I just wish I had this prior to retiring. Unlike his videos, this is written in correct English but occasionally his Southern roots come through. Gerry takes information he learned in his years as a teacher and now as a principle and creates things that help make a teacher stronger and a principal look better. His primary interest, however, is the success of the students and the teachers. He has also included some suggestions from other teachers from other grade levels. This makes the book good for all levels of teaching. I suggest this book be one that new teachers and returning teachers read prior to returning to school in the fall. However, since school has already started, maybe read it prior to another break. It points out to remember, you are not in this alone. It would also be good for a book study or a book club.

I am a fan of Principal Brook's videos. I was excited about reading his book. I have been a public school teacher for 40 years, going on 41. I have been a first-grade teacher for 32 of the 40 years. I don't need help with classroom management, teaching children, communicating with parents, etc., but I thought this book was so good I could hardly put it down. First, it's always good to be reminded or to validate the good things that are going on in our own classrooms. I thought it was great he included sections for ALL staff, not just teachers. For those that gave negative reviews...may I please read the books you have written and allow me to decide if you are writing anything "new" or "worthwhile" or that I can chuckle about when I am reading it. When I read the negative remarks the only thing I was thinking was that they were all written by jealous people who can't see humor anymore. I LOVE this book. I wish that we all could have a principal like him. So, if you want to read something inspiring, thoughtful, and FUNNY, read this book. Maybe some people need a little more humor in their lives. It feels great!

Brooks makes great parody videos and he shows in his book, “Go See the Principal”, that he actually knows a thing or two. My only child is graduating from high school this year and I believe I have witnessed or been part of every example in this book. I just wish he had written it 13 years ago! The book does not talk about pedagogy, so parents won’t get bogged down with any educational theories. It brings to light a lot of common sense ideas that hysterical parents aren’t able to see on their own. (And yes, most of us has had hysterical moments. If you haven’t then I had your share). As parents, we think about our child and then there are “the others”. “The others” cause all the problems. Truthfully, they don’t. Some of them are problems that you as a parent might have stirred up from something minor. This book is also good for educators, especially new ones. There are no new theories here, but reading things Brooks think are important enough to include in this book will help you from reinventing the wheel. I could see this being a fun and quick book club book for teachers. Bring lots of wine for that meeting.

I ADORE this book! As soon as I got my hands on The Bayside Bunch - Go See The Principal! I knew it needed to be shared! Soon to be featured on Barb’s Book Buddies (YouTube), the message is important and appropriate for MANY grade levels. The story is focused on what happens when Selwyn takes that long scary walk to the principal’s office, but it includes so much more! Published by La Sirena Books, The Bayside Bunch - Go See The Principal! includes humor, adventure, and friendship. On World Read Aloud Day, I read it to my sixth grade homeroom. A follow-up discussion included how we make assumptions about others and how unknown situations offer insight and perspective. The bold, animated illustrations add depth to the text and keep the reader engaged. This first book in a series introduces many memorable characters and I can’t wait to see the next adventures of The Bayside Bunch!

Go See The Principal has some great advice and insight from an administrator that's been in education for many years. I could see pre-service teachers reading this as a part of their college curriculum and finding it very meaningful. As someone who has been in education myself for more than twenty years, most of this book was full of good advice, but it was certainly nothing new. As I read through it last night, I continued to feel as though I could have written this myself. Gerry Brooks has received some acclaim because of his youtube videos he has created along with the motivational speaking he now does on the subject of education. The portions of this book that included his humor were fantastic. I found myself chuckling while reading these parts of the book, and wanting to watch some of his videos myself. Go See The Principal is certainly worth reading, especially for those new to education or for parents who truly want to understand the thought processes that go into the decisions teachers and administrators make.

This book should be required reading for ALL parents. And for all teachers too. Gerry tells it like it is. He shares so many stories that help us all to reflect and then try to do better. He's an excellent story teller which makes this an easy read. Very informative and very entertaining.

Hilarious

O livro fala aquilo que passa pela cabeça dos educadores mas não se pode falar para os pais, assim como reflexões sobre a profissão, famílias, alunos e Cultura escolar. Recomendo

Llego en tiempo y super bien

Super nice read for anyone in education

Gerry is so funny! My only disappointment is that most of his chapters in the book are direct transcriptions from his youtube videos.