Learning in Free Fall

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By William Reimers

Nicole R. Terrizzi's memoir, Learning in Free Fall, provides a candid and daring examination of the intricate interplay between systemic inequality, mental health, and education. Terrizzi takes readers on a journey from her rural Iowa roots to her time as a Teach for America teacher at a struggling Kansas City elementary school, revealing the profound challenges that educators in underserved communities encounter. This is accomplished through a deeply personal lens.

She writes with a raw and authentic voice, evoking the emotional and psychological toll of teaching in an environment characterized by poverty, violence, and institutional neglect. Terrizzi is unafraid to discuss her personal mental health challenges, which include medication, therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy, as she navigates the complexities of her educator role. This candor enhances the depth of her narrative, rendering it not only a critique of the education system but also a personal testament to self-awareness and resilience.

The personal cost of teaching in underserved communities, the stigmatization of mental health, and the systemic failures of the American education system are among the book's primary themes. Terrizzi's reflections force readers to confront uncomfortable realities regarding the individuals who are accountable for the disparities and numbers in education.

Learning in Free Fall evokes a combination of hope and unease on an emotional level. Terrizzi's unwavering commitment to her students is evident, providing a powerful sense of resilience and a reason to be optimistic, despite the fact that it can be challenging for readers to fully connect with the often-overlooked experiences of teachers.

This memoir is an essential read for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the facts of teaching in the most vulnerable communities of the United States. Terrizzi's voice serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of systemic change and the significance of providing support to those who dedicated their lives to education.

About the Author

Nicole R Terrizzi

Nicole Terrizzi has devoted her life to equity in opportunity. She began her career as a teacher and has spent more than fifteen years collaborating with local, national, and international organizations. Working as a fundraiser, writer, consultant, and board member for nonprofits, corporations, and foundations, Nicole is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to the resources and opportunities necessary to live a happy and healthy life.

Nicole, originally from a small farming community in Iowa, lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than a decade and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her family. Her hobbies include traveling solo; visiting parks and hiking with her partner, two young children, and dog; and reading creative nonfiction whenever she can.