Title: The ABCs of Public Education: Abuse, Bullying, and Corruption: A Story of Institutionalized Mobbing in Education
Author: Dr. John J Pepi Sr.
Publisher: Mascot Books
ISBN: 978-1645434153
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 252
Reviewed by: Allison Walker
Hollywood Book Reviews
In the book, The ABCs of Public Education: Abuse, Bullying, and Corruption: A Story of Institutionalized Mobbing in Education, author and former educator Dr. John J. Pepi reveals the unseen and cruel underbelly of the educational system. Although he changes the names and locations of his persecutors, Pepi gives readers a no-holds-barred look into the abuse, bullying and corruption that plagues our nation’s public and private schools.
By telling his personal story of persecution as an educator, Pepi forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that too often lay hidden behind a beautifully designed facade. The ABCs of Public Education is a righteously angry expose into administrative policies that punish and sacrifice teachers in order to protect a corrupt and failing system. Through raw emotion and storytelling, Pepi paints a chilling picture of the day-to-day abuse and bullying he suffered at the hands of this system. Pepi is unflinching and unapologetic documenting cases and cover-ups which exposes flaws in public and private education. As he unravels a web of deceit and manipulation, Pepi unmasks a culture of corruption which demands urgent attention.
While The ABCs of Public Education is undeniably provocative, Pepi has a tendency to bury the led, so to speak, within his own book. For example, Pepi teases his court trial in the introduction, then takes the reader back forty years ago, when he just graduated his undergraduate program. At times, his personal anecdotes and petty school dramas overshadow the greater theme. Because of the lack of scope, of case studies, of court trials and all their documents and research, there is little sense of the widespread tragedy. Unfortunate editorial errors are also distracting. For example, Pepi assigns a copyright to some of the motivational speakers who inspired him during challenging times. “Les Brown” is a trademarked name; however, names cannot be copyrighted.
Nevertheless, The ABCs of Public Education is a rallying cry for reform. Pepi’s engaging and evocative story is a thought-provoking and courageous personal account into the rotted underground of too many schools. Some readers may find his accusations disturbing. Yet Pepi’s unwavering dedication to exposing the truth is a testament to his dedication to this profession.
As an instructor, Pepi inspired many students. While no one should have to endure workplace bullying, it makes what happened to him and his family all the more distressing. Teachers are notoriously treated unfairly and Pepi’s personal recollection is only further evidence of this. Pepi’s book is a call to action that urges every teacher, administrator, parent, student, and advocate for educational reform to reflect of the systemic failures that hinder our schools and address the root causes of abuse, bullying and corruption.