"Alexandra Robbins goes behind the scenes to tell the true, sometimes shocking, always inspirational stories of three teachers as they navigate a year in the classroom. She follows Penny, a southern middle school math teacher who grappled with a toxic staff clique at the big school in a small town; Miguel, a special ed teacher in the western United States who fought for his students both as an educator and as an activist; and Rebecca, an East Coast elementary school teacher who struggled to schedule and define a life outside of school. Robbins also interviewed hundreds of other teachers nationwide who share their secrets, dramas, and joys. Interspersed among the teachers' stories-a seeming scandal, a fourth-grade whodunit, and teacher confessions-are hard-hitting essays featuring cutting-edge reporting on the biggest issues facing teachers today, such as school violence; outrageous parent behavior; inadequate support, staffing, and resources coupled with unrealistic mounting demands; the "myth" of teacher burnout; the COVID-19 pandemic; and ways all of us can help the professionals who are central both to the lives of our children and the heart of our communities"-- Provided by publisher.

Place of publication from the publisher's website.

Prologue -- August : What teachers endure and why they stay -- September : Parent aggression and the culture of teacher blaming -- October : Teachers are heroes, but they shouldn't have to be -- November : COVID-19, the disrespect for teachers' work, and the disregard for their lives -- December : The most underestimated teacher in the building and Subject misconceptions and the marginalization of specialist teachers -- January : The "dirty little secret" in schools -- February : The myth of teacher burnout -- March : Teacher confessions, behind-the-scenes dish -- April : How violence and short-staffing create a hazardous profession -- May : Bribery, workarounds, happy hours, and other pro tips for educators -- June -- Epilogue : Teachers deserve better, how you can help.