Intercepting the Political Football (Paperback)

In this provocative and informative chronicle of a veteran public school teacher's journey, Anthony F. Loporchio, Jr. dissects the bureaucratic politics that interfere with teaching and learning, with a full disclosure of how the unfortunate integration of politics into education completely altered his career and life. Author Loporchio brings forth more than thirty years' experience to offer considerable expert commentary on the psychology of adolescence, the impact of social media, the challenges of leadership, and the critical role parents play in the evolution of their children's lives. He proposes that people who are fortunate enough to attain prestigious positions often lose their humility and become ignorant to the plight of the classroom teacher.

Chapters in the book include "Mr. Loporchio's Opus," in which he discusses his passion for teaching and what the opportunity to educate has meant to him in his life. In "The Principals of Learning" and "The Leadership Challenge," he examines the scenarios that bring to the forefront the question of what is politically correct vs. what is ethically and morally correct. The author brings things to full circle with an uncensored recapitulation of how he lost a prominent position and standing, followed by a very moving introduction of ten of his former students and their post-high school endeavors. For anyone pondering a career in education, to a young practitioner attempting to establish themselves in the profession, to a veteran educator struggling to find reasons to stay in the profession, Intercepting the Political Football is a must-read.

Anthony F. Loporchio, Jr. began teaching in 1990 in the Rhode Island Public School System while completing his undergraduate and graduate coursework at Rhode Island College and Providence College. In addition to his classroom teaching, he served as social studies department chairperson for nine years and yearbook advisor for twenty-two years at a prestigious Rhode Island high school. When not focused on his teaching, Mr. Loporchio enjoys adding to his collection of celebrity autographs, Hot Wheels, and Magic: The Gathering cards. This is the author's second published book.