The Teacher's Lounge: The Real Roles of Educators in Your Schools

The Teacher's Lounge takes a forty-year walk through the field of education and gives a suburban view of how pop culture, politics, and real-life experiences have shaped the current educational landscape. This semi-autobiography describes the impact of educational decisions from our past, and how local and national events changed the culture in education. This is not your typical book about education that overwhelms the reader with research, while not thinking about the practical application in schools. Instead, readers will be provided with insight into how education has changed based on everyday experiences, the increased levels of accountability, and the influence of social media and technology in schools and student lives. The Teacher's Lounge further looks at the role each stakeholder plays in education, and how those roles work together and unfortunately, sometimes are in opposition of each other. From the growing diversity in schools in the 1970's, to the effect of Reagonomics in the 1980's, the educational system became the platform for politics. The influx of reality television and music in the 1990's, and the effect of technology and social media in the 2000's, gave all audiences a broad view of what it is like to be a student in school today. The Teacher's Lounge is guaranteed to make you laugh, reflect, and begin the debate on what is needed for the future of education.


About the Author
Gordon, John: - John B. Gordon III began his career as a substitute teacher and basketball coach on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Teaching 5th grade in Salisbury, Maryland and high school history in both Richmond and Chesterfield, Virginia, he taught with an energy and creativity that made learning fun. As the basketball coach at Armstrong and Meadowbrook High Schools, his teams won numerous championships over a ten-year career and created a culture of excitement towards "men's basketball" that will never be duplicated. "Crossing the bridge" into administration, Dr. Gordon knew the formula that built championship teams could also be used to create schools with highly motivated students, passionate teachers, and instructional strategies that promote excellence. As principal of The James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he promoted a culture of leadership and student-involvement that led to The James Monroe being named one of the top high schools in country by U.S. News and World Report. After his successful tenure as principal, Dr. Gordon was promoted to Director of Administrative Services, where he re-focused instruction through student inquiry and the International Baccalaureate program. Dr. Gordon now spreads his message of inspiration and transformational leadership as the Chief of Schools for Chesterfield County Public Schools and through Schools That Inspire, LLC.