Blog #5 - Troublemakers

 

In Troublemakers, Carla Shalaby tells the stories of four students from different backgrounds and their experiences in school. She challenges the idea that low-income families don’t care about education, showing that many dedicated parents, especially mothers, work hard to support their children despite facing difficulties. For instance, Marcus, a student with a noticeable disability, receives strong support from his mother, who follows teachers’ advice to help him succeed. Shalaby starts the book by discussing important questions about education, emphasizing that teachers should care about their students as real people. Many students who struggle are labeled as "troublemakers," but this often happens because their learning needs don’t match the strict school system. Teachers are often overwhelmed with large classes and may not be able to help every student, which can lead to some kids falling through the cracks. She also talks about how schools handle student behavior, particularly younger kids who might be expelled for acting out. Instead of just punishing students, Shalaby believes it’s important to understand why they behave that way. Building strong relationships with students can help teachers address issues more effectively. Shalaby describes "troublemakers" as indicators of deeper problems in the education system, suggesting that we should focus on fixing those issues instead of blaming the students. The book encourages future teachers to rethink their approaches and to see all students as unique individuals. Ultimately, Troublemakers calls for more empathy in education, aiming to create a supportive environment where every student can succeed.