(10/2/2024)
Hollywood often misrepresents the teaching profession. However, Jennifer Matthieu, a current high school teacher, writes "The Faculty Lounge" with a deep understanding of the profession. The characters and situations she portrays are not just relatable, they are a mirror of the challenges educators face every day. This connection makes the book a compelling read, as it assures educators that they are not alone in their struggles.
All aspects of typical teacher problems take center stage. By way of a worthless gripe, please do not read the Goodreads preview, as it gives away the ending to the first three vignettes. Teachers will recognize the ill-advised relationships, neglecting personal relationships, knowing that they survived but others did not. You will see infidelity happening and root for the characters to avoid the inevitable.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is the camaraderie and general kindness that the teachers share. Even those who may seem cold or disgruntled, like the alcoholic older teacher, find common ground in their shared challenges. This fosters a deep sense of unity and understanding among the characters, making the readers feel not just a part of their world, but a part of a larger community of educators.
Reviews online are funny. Teachers who lived innocent lives like to point out that happy hours, intercourse among co-workers, and bending of the rules do not reflect their experience. In my 27th year in the classroom, I will tell you that I have met all of these people, even the ones who were very different from me. The profession is emotional, and we all cope in our way, some healthy, some not.
Despite Jennifer Matthieu's primary focus on young adult literature and her career as a teacher, 'The Faculty Lounge' exceeded expectations. Cast your colleagues in the pivotal roles!