John Merrow has been covering education for more than thirty-five years—first as a reporter for NPR and now as a correspondent for PBS’s NewsHour. In his latest book, The Influence of Teachers, Merrow tackles many of today’s hot-button issues, from teacher tenure, to charter schools, to controversial leaders such as Michelle Rhee and Paul Vallas. Along the way, he leavens his observations with humor, wit, and wisdom from his own personal experience as a teacher. Today Ed Next’s Mike Petrilli talks with John about his book—and what he’s learned from the countless hours he’s spent as a reporter in America’s classrooms. Join us for today’s edition of The Education Next Book Club.

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