Chicago State University Professor Authors New Book

on Teaching in Urban America  

 

CHICAGO, IL- If the President of the United States, Secretary of Education and other national leaders and decision makers are going to consider policies to strengthen public education, than they need to hear from the very people who are teaching in some of America's poorest neighborhoods. 

That is the logic by Chicago State University's Deborah Lynch, PhD, who has penned "An Open Letter to President Obama: Chicago Teachers Speak Out on Urban Education." 

"For too long others have told the stories of urban teachers," Lynch said. "In this book, teachers themselves tell of their experiences and perceptions working in urban schools today. They share the stories that have moved them, lessons they have learned, and provide their recommendations for improving urban schools (not closing them), and for closing the seemingly intractable achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students. They want to be heard and supported in their vital mission educating children in some of the most challenging communities in America today. These are their stories."

 

In her new book, Dr. Lynch offers a thoughtful reflection on working in urban schools today, with recommendations from education leaders throughout the country. Lynch surveys thousands of teachers and sits down to interview many more to get a full picture of what educators are facing in the modern day urban school. She draws on the experiences of teachers who often deal with classrooms where 9 out of 10 students are from families below the poverty line to draw conclusions and recommendation on closing performance gaps and reforming public education.

"Dr. Lynch's fine work is yet another example of the positive impact Chicago State is having on our city and our state," Dr. Wayne D. Watson, President of Chicago State University added. "Chicago State is unique among public institutions and we are proud to have a diverse and talented faculty who dedicate themselves to influencing public education. Dr. Lynch has done a wonderful job with her new book and she has made the Chicago State family proud."    

 

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