The Great Expectations School cover art

The Great Expectations School

A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle

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The Great Expectations School

By: Dan Brown
Narrated by: Gregory St. John
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About this listen

At 22, Dan Brown came to the Bronx's P.S. 85 as an eager, fresh-faced teacher. Unbeknownst to him, his assigned class, 4-217, was the designated "dumping ground" for all fourth-grade problem cases, and his students would prove to be more challenging than he could ever anticipate. Intent on being a caring, dedicated teacher but confronted with unruly children, absent parents, and a failing administration, Dan was pushed to the limit time and again: he found himself screaming with rage, punching his fist through a blackboard out of sheer frustration, often just wanting to give up and walk away.

Yet in this seeming chaos, he slowly learned from his own mistakes and discovered an unexpected well of inspiration to discipline and teach and make a difference. The Great Expectations School is the touching journey of Class 4-217 and their teacher, Mr. Brown, but more than that, it is the revealing story of a broken educational system and all those struggling within and fighting against it.

©2007, 2011 Dan Brown (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Education Educators Professionals & Academics Student

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Editor reviews

Educators will find much of interest in The Great Expectations School: A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle, a memoir that tells the story of author Dan Brown’s first year as a fourth-grade teacher, at the age of 22. Brown describes the debilitating problems he encountered with the American education system, and how he found the strength to keep teaching, in the hopes that even within a broken system he might make a difference.

Gregory St. John’s performance is spot-on, and he modulates his voice skillfully, both to underline Brown’s indictment of public education in the United States as well as his genuine optimism that determined people can and do make learning possible for kids, no matter the obstacles.
All stars
Most relevant
I bought this audiobook thinking the author is the "The Da Vinci Code" Dan Brown. Although it is not, I am glad to have it as it is a brilliant topic, well written and a "page" turner. I liked the voice of the narrator but sometimes it was hard to follow who is talking as there was not much difference between the voices of the characters.
All in all, I enjoyed it tremendously.

SUPERB !!

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I now wish id read this book before reading all the others hits. Amazing author.

Now i know how he became a truely great writer

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oh my goodness what a fantastic and insightful audiobook written by the brilliant Dan Brown and well narrated by Gregory St John.

I would love to know the progress of the pupils from class 4-217 xxxxxxx

WOW

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I initially listened thinking this book was written by "the Dan Brown", bit it was by a different Dan. But never regretted a minute. What an inspiring story. Happiness and sadness in the same breath laid down eloquently. The author gives an honest view of the broken education system and genuine efforts to make an impression in students lives. The narrator does perfect justice.

Great book and fantastic narration

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too many names, nothing like any other Dan Brown books. Very long long and drawn out. Not what I expected, no real drama. I stuck with it, as Dan Brown is one of my favourite authors.

Very disappointing

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