PRAISE FOR IN THE TRENCHES

“[Fermoyle’s] voice, speaking for the practicing classroom teacher, is one that is too seldom heard in the debates about public education. In clear, informal language, Fermoyle pretty much ‘says it like it is.’ … If you are a consultant, a supervisor, or a parent/citizen/legislator who is truly concerned about the effectiveness of our public schools, you should read this book as an antidote to every goofy, ivory-tower, educational-change theory currently floating about. If you are a classroom teacher, you should read this book and lobby for the fundamental changes Fermoyle suggests.”
. —Doug Johnson, Director of Media and Technology for the Mankato area schools, in his “Blue Skunk Blog”

“Before one more law is passed?curtailing classroom control by teachers and school administrators?Fermoyle’s book should be on the required reading list for every state and national legislator”
. —Wally Wakefield, staff writer for the Lillie Suburban News

“Every school board member in the state should read it…There are thousands of teachers, parents and staff who would read the book and think, he said exactly what I believe to be true.”
. —Minnesota State Representative Denise Dittrich (District 47A)

“A thank God somebody finally put it into print type of book.”
. —John Diffley, retired teacher, Stewartville, Minnesota

“My first thought, after the first 50 pages, was: ‘This guy makes way too much sense.’"
. —Paulette Tobin, Education reporter for the Grand Forks Herald

“(Fermoyle) suggests a reform that can cross the [liberal-conservative] divide and unite a strong majority of Americans behind a workable plan to improve schools.”
. —Tom Dennis, Opinion Editor for the Grand Forks Herald

I could identify with all of the situations, from the indifferent students, to certain special-ed situations, to politicians thinking they know best and to college professors who teach merely theory without practicality. Unfortunately, as [Fermoyle] stated, our public education is under attack and the real educators with the actual knowledge and know-how are being left out of the equation.
. —Pat Jacklitch, a retired teacher from East Grand Forks, Minnesota

“I shout a resounding YES!!! And plan to pass it on to my colleagues…[Fermoyle] put in writing what so many of us know is common sense.”
. —Sandy Christian, Faribault Middle School science teacher

“In the Trenches is the epitome of a teacher’s defense of public education. Oh my, does this bring back memories!”
. —Nicholas J. Pedro, Ph.D. of Naples, Florida; retired college professor, public school assistant superintendent, principal, and teacher

“Very honest book—there is an honest man left in the world.”
. —Minnesota State Representative Mindy Greiling (District 54A)