In Remembrance and Gratitude: John Taylor Gatto

In today's episode I want to give thanks and remembrance to John Taylor Gatto. He passed away on October 25 and will be missed by many around the world.

For those unfamiliar with Mr Gatto, he was a true pioneer in the education field and harsh critic of compulsory education. As a long time teacher, he saw the inner workings of schools and the effects the system had on children. He was teacher of the year in New York twice and used that platform to expose the faults and dangers of the system he worked in. Thankfully, he broke free of that system and became an advocate and beacon to those bucking the system for something better for their children.

One of my favorite Gatto quotes:

“Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges; it should allow you to find values which will be your roadmap through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live and how to die.”

My introduction to Mr. Gatto was when a friend suggested I read Dumbing Us Down. I can honestly say this book not only forever changed how I looked at education but it changed my life. It's now the book I encourage everyone to read that is considering homeschooling or thinking about education in general. You will not be able to look at a classroom or institutional education the same again.

More quotes shared:

“School is a twelve-year jail sentence where bad habits are the only curriculum truly learned. I teach school and win awards doing it. I should know.”

"I feel ashamed that so many of us cannot imagine a better way to do things than locking children up all day in cells instead of letting them grow up knowing their families, mingling with the world, assuming real obligations, striving to be independent and self-reliant and free."

“The lesson of report cards, grades, and tests is that children should not trust themselves or their parents but should instead rely on the evaluation of certified officials. People need to be told what they are worth.”

“Children allowed to take responsibility and given a serious part in the larger world are always superior to those merely permitted to play and be passive.”

Books by John Taylor Gatto

Dumbing Us Down The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Education

Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling

A Different Kind of teacher: Solving the Crisis of American Schooling

The Underground History of American Education

Thank you Mr Gatto for being an advocate and never giving up, even when change was slow. I encourage homeschoolers and parents to continue to be advocates and continue to inspire and motivate others in helping their children learn best.

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