The Receivership

The Receivership: A Pro-Teacher, Pro-Tenure Novel by Lee Kronert delves into the challenges faced by Rumson Junior-Senior High, a school under intense scrutiny by the State Education Department. With low test scores and an overwhelming number of discipline reports, the school is at risk of being taken over by the education department through a process known as receivership. The Governor’s push to dismantle the Teachers Union further escalates the tension. If the situation doesn’t improve in the eyes of the government, teachers face the threat of losing their jobs and being replaced. The novel reflects the frustration and struggle within the education system, emphasizing the pressure teachers face due to external factors beyond their control.
Drawing on his 34 years of teaching experience, Kronert presents a perspective that challenges the narrative placing the blame solely on teachers for the failings of the education system. Through the “Fly on the Wall” perspective, the novel exposes the broader issues at play, such as federal and state policies, school administrators, Boards of Education, and even the students and parents themselves. These elements, the novel argues, are all part of the complex problem that undermines the effectiveness of schools. Teachers, Kronert suggests, are unfairly scapegoated for issues that are systemic and deeply rooted in the education system.
The story ultimately serves as a call to recognize the value and importance of teachers, advocating for the protection of tenure and their ability to perform their jobs without undue interference. Kronert’s message is clear: when the government steps back and allows educators to do what they do best, hope and improvement will follow. The Receivership stands as both a critique of current educational policies and a powerful defense of teachers’ roles in shaping the future of students. It’s a passionate plea for understanding the root causes of educational challenges and a plea for restoring hope to the teaching profession.