One Man’s Triumph Over Illiteracy
“The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read” by John Corcoran is a remarkably honest and inspirational memoir that chronicles the life journey of a man who managed to hide his illiteracy while working as a teacher. This book is a powerful reminder of the importance of literacy and the profound impact it has on individuals and society.
Despite his inability to read, John Corcoran graduated from college and then went on to teach high school for 17 years, using a variety of clever techniques to mask his illiteracy. His account of his struggles and the methods he used to hide his secret is both unsettling and fascinating. His life is a paradox that challenges the educational system and questions how a teacher could go undetected as illiterate for so long.
What makes this memoir relatable is Corcoran’s honesty. He doesn’t shy away from discussing his feelings of shame, frustration, and fear. His vulnerability invites you into his personal world, allowing you to experience the emotional rollercoaster he endured.
The turning point of the book is deeply moving, as Corcoran describes the process of learning to read at the age of 48 with the help of a dedicated tutor. This shift from despair to empowerment that he experiences is captured so beautifully that one cannot help but cheer him on.
Following is a short excerpt from “The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read”:
The principal arbitrarily assigned me my classes: sophomore social studies and English grammar. The first day I arrived early and stayed late, a habit I maintained for the duration of my teaching career. I hoped I would learn to read, but first I merely wanted to survive and not attract negative attention, especially during the first few years. Later on, I would become more bold.
To create the illusion of literacy, I always tucked a newspaper under my arm or carried books as props…
When I stood before my first class, my selfish motivation for embracing this profession began to melt. I couldn’t teach those kids to read, which made me as guilty as the teacher I criticized. However, I could teach them to be learners, to have positive experiences in their lives, to believe in their own unique abilities. My prayers were frequent and repetitive: God, help me to teach these young people…and bring someone to help me. God, please help me learn to read.
“The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read” is more than just a memoir; it is a true call to action on the importance of literacy and the need for systemic changes in education. It not only shares a personal story but also highlights a crucial issue that affects many communities. Corcoran’s journey from hiding his illiteracy to advocating for literacy proves that it is never too late for learning or for change.
