Chalkboard Jungle: One Teacher's Struggle to Survive in the American Public School System

Brenda Connor dreamed of being a teacher her whole life.

Recently graduated from college, shes thrilled when she gets a job as a public school math instructor.

But her joy soon turns to despair when she realizes the job she dreamed of is something of a nightmare.First, the length of her employment is based on the results of a standardized test known as the FCAT.

Whats more, Brendas students are disrespectful and uninterested in learningand in spite of Brendas phone calls, their parents dont care.

The administration is determined that students must improve their test scoresno matter the cost.

Brenda quickly finds herself under the watchful eye of assistant principal, Mrs. Harrison, whoinstead of offering her supportseeks to get rid of Brenda, documenting her performance in the classroom and threatening to place her on a professional disciplinary planBrendas only friend, Mr. Fisher, is also under evaluation. They are both thwarted at every turn, harassed via weekly interrogations and classroom reviews.

Brendas dream of being a teacher is vanishing before her eyes, and she must decide: are students worth fighting for, or will she give in to administrative pressure and quit before stress destroys her body and mind?