Jay Mathews: Work Hard, Be Nice

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Urban Education

In part two of the What Works in Urban Education series presented by Tom Bloch and the University Academy, Jay Mathews of The Washington Post discusses his book Work Hard, Be Nice: How Two Inspired Teachers Created America’s Best Schools.

The presentation takes place Thursday, February 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Truman Forum at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.

Mathews, described as one of the most influential education writers in the country, has penned a book focusing on KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), a national network of 66 public schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia that prepares students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.

The author of six books, Mathews’ latest effort focuses on Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin. The two early twenty-somethings signed up for Teach for America right after college and found themselves utter failures in the classroom. Vowing to remake themselves into superior educators, the duo, by sheer force of talent and determination never to take no for an answer, created a successful fifth grade experience that morphed into KIPP.

KIPP schools incorporate lessons Feinberg and Levin learned from America’s best, most charismatic teachers including the need for lively lessons, longer school days, and for the completion of homework to be sacrosanct. (KIPP teachers are available by telephone day and night.)

Copies of Work Hard, Be Nice will be available for sale, and the author will sign copies purchased during the event.

A 6 p.m. reception precedes the presentation. Admission is free. Click here or call 816.701.3407 to RSVP.
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Jay Mathews: Work Hard, Be Nice

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