Anthony Cody - The Educator and the Oligarch: A Teacher Challenges the Gates Foundation

A powerful and important book by one of the most courageous advocates for sanity and simple justice in our public schools.

This book is a record of Anthony Codys valiant struggle to force the nations most powerful foundation and richest person to listen to the voice of an experienced teacher.

A stick of chalk, the attendance list, and The Educator and the Oligarch . Anthony Codys new book is a requirement for teachers in an era defined by the Gates Foundations attempt to turn classrooms into a test prep centers. Anthony Cody, drawing on eighteen years as a classroom teacher, looks Bill Gates in the eye and announces that even he cannot buy our schools.

Anthony Codys book is a timely and concise reminder of just how much of a spoiled mans playground American public education has become to Gates and his profound net worth. Wealth should not be able to purchase a fundamental democratic institution. It is time for America to become much better educated about Bill Gates.

Anthony Codys new book The Educator and the Oligarch is a brilliant, point by point challenge to Bill Gates role in undermining public education in the United States. What gives the book resonance and authority is Codys own experience in grappling with every single issue that Gates raises from the standpoint of an innovative and caring science teacher in an Oakland middle school. But make no mistake about it- this book is also a call to arms against one of the greatest threats to Democracy I have seen in my lifetime. Bill Gates War on Public Education should alarm not only every American who cares about teaching and learning, but everyone who fears that the concentration of wealth at the top is eroding our best traditions. Anthony Cody gives us all the evidence we need to fight back, not only to save our schools, but to save our country.

Anthony Cody has thought about education reform and those proponents whose wealth and power have been at the forefront of pushing the narrative that innovation comes from without and that teachers, students and parents just need to be compliant. His particular beef is with Bill Gates who has admitted that he and his foundation dont know whether this will work. But in his attempt to use the very people who do the work with students to push his Master of the Universe agenda, Bill Gates runs smack dab into the heart of the issue. Anthony says The trust teachers are given is a precious thing, and it obligates us to exercise our consciences and independent judgment. We must continue to fight for and be deserving of that trust.

Garn Press

This book was made possible by many people in my life. My wife, Randi, and my sons Alexander and Rowan, who bring me joy. My parents, Pat and Fred Cody, who modeled compassion and involvement every day. My editor at Education Weeks Teacher magazine, Anthony Rebora. My many colleagues in Oakland, who made my career there so memorable. Eileen Engel, who helped me and many others in Oakland. Linda Darling-Hammond, who gave me some great opportunities and guided me to the National Board process. Misty Sato and Mike Atkin, who helped me improve as a teacher and thinker. Mary Porter, for her sharp insights, Denny Taylor for bringing this book to print. Diane Ravitch who has been an inspiration for us all. And all of those who are with me as we push for educational opportunities for all children.