Dayton Public Schools teacher tells of urban students’ tenacity, courage in new book

DAYTON — A longtime Dayton Public Schools teacher published his first book titled, TEACH: Lessons I learned from My Students and Colleagues, discussing the hardships and triumphs of urban school students.

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Mr. Michael Unger taught history for 51 years. And, in that time, he saw his students overcome physical and mental challenges, some life-threatening, a spokesperson recounted. But even under mountainous pressures, his students still persevered and inspired Unger with their stories. Their tenacity brought Unger back to the classroom year after year.

“The constant in 51 years of teaching has always been the students that I have and the courage they show,” Unger said. “If we’re going to do anything with this world—if we’re going to fight violence, prejudice, discrimination, ignorance, or racism—then we have to have the courage to step up and challenge the status quo. It’s the students who bring me here every day, and that’s why I can’t walk away from teaching just yet.”

News Center 7 Reporter Taylor Robertson sat down with the decades-long teacher one-on-one to discuss his new book.

“I’ve been constantly saying that its no secret that I admire courage. And, I think everybody pays attention to those kinds of stories; and, they’re always uplifting,” Unger told Robertson.

And, just as Unger was uplifted by his students’ enduring experiences, his students expressed the support they received from the educator.

“I would like to say he is the most supportive teacher here besides the administration; and, you can catch him at any sports game. He’s there to support,” 12th grade student Paige Young told Robertson.

“As a student, you notice when teachers are there for you outside of the classroom, and there’s not that many, and he’s definitely one of them that is always consistently there,” 12th grade student Maggie Holmes said. “He’s definitely one of like my top favorite teachers I’ve ever had.”

Several Stivers School for the Arts students also assisted Unger with writing the book. Students in the Creative Writing magnet recorded Unger telling stories, then helped craft 13 stories found in the first half of the book, a spokesperson informed.

The book can be purchased online through Braughler Books, emailing teachunger@outlook.com, or contacting Unger directly.

All proceeds from the book will go toward a scholarship for Dayton Public Schools students.

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