John Taylor Gatto Quotes
John Taylor Gatto was an American author, speaker, and former school teacher who was best known for his criticism of compulsory schooling. He wrote several books, including Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling (1992), The Underground History of American Education (2001), an…Read More
John Taylor Gatto was an American author, speaker, and former school teacher who was best known for his criticism of compulsory schooling. He wrote several books, including Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling (1992), The Underground History of American Education (2001), and Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher’s Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling (2009). He was a proponent of homeschooling and self-directed learning, and his work has been influential in the modern homeschooling movement. He was the recipient of the New York City Teacher of the Year award in 1989 and 1990.Read Less
John Taylor Gatto was an American author, speaker, and former school teacher who was best known for his criticism of compulsory schooling. He wrote several books, including Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling (1992), The Underground History of American Education (2001), and Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher’s Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling (2009). He was a proponent of homeschooling and self-directed learning, and his work has been influential in the modern homeschooling movement. He was the recipient of the New York City Teacher of the Year award in 1989 and 1990.
John Taylor Gatto Career Highlights
- Gatto began his teaching career in 1965 at the age of 29, teaching English at the Grace Church School in New York City.
- In 1971, he was named New York City Teacher of the Year.
- Gatto taught for 30 years in the New York City public school system, including at some of the most prestigious schools such as Stuyvesant High School and Hunter College High School.
- In 1989, he was named New York State Teacher of the Year.
- Gatto retired from teaching in 1991, but continued to be an advocate for education reform.
- He wrote several books, including “Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling” and “The Underground History of American Education.”
- Gatto also gave numerous lectures and speeches on education, and was a popular speaker at homeschooling conferences.
Key Contributions by John Taylor Gatto
- Gatto’s most significant contribution was his criticism of the modern education system. He argued that the system was designed to create obedient workers rather than critical thinkers.
- He believed that compulsory schooling was harmful to children and that it stifled their creativity and natural love for learning.
- Gatto also advocated for homeschooling and unschooling as alternatives to traditional schooling.
- He was a vocal critic of standardized testing and the use of grades and diplomas as measures of intelligence and success.
- Gatto’s work sparked a national conversation about the flaws in the education system and inspired many parents and educators to rethink their approach to education.
What Sets John Taylor Gatto Apart
- Gatto’s background as a teacher gave him a unique perspective on the education system. He was able to speak from personal experience and provide insight into the inner workings of schools.
- He was a passionate and charismatic speaker, able to captivate audiences with his ideas and arguments.
- Gatto’s unconventional views on education made him a controversial figure, but also gained him a dedicated following of supporters.
- He was not afraid to challenge the status quo and speak out against the flaws in the education system, even if it meant facing criticism and backlash.
Takeaways
- Gatto’s work highlights the need for education reform and the importance of questioning traditional methods of schooling.
- He reminds us that education should not be limited to the classroom and that learning can happen in many different ways.
- Gatto’s criticism of standardized testing and grades serves as a reminder that intelligence and success cannot be measured by a single test or number.
- He encourages parents and educators to take a more active role in their children’s education and to prioritize their natural curiosity and love for learning.
Other People
Writer/Author
Author
1882 - 1956
Author
· Canada
1843 - 1919
Author
1933
