Quotes from book
Up the Down Staircase

Bel Kaufmanová

Up the Down Staircase is a novel written by Bel Kaufman, published in 1964, which spent 64 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. In 1967 it was released as a film starring Sandy Dennis, Patrick Bedford, Ruth White, Jean Stapleton and Eileen Heckart.

Bel Kaufmanová photo

“Teaching here isn't so bad. Once you accept as one of the ineluctable laws of nature that kids will continue to say "Silas Mariner" and "Ancient Marner" and "between you and I" and "mischievious" and that the administration will continue to use phrases like "egregious conduct" and "ethnic background" you can go on from there.”

Bel Kaufmanová book Up the Down Staircase

Part XI, ch. 57 (Bea Schachter)
Up the Down Staircase (1965)

Bel Kaufmanová photo

“When I had asked why they were taking English, a boy said: "To help us in real life."”

Bel Kaufmanová book Up the Down Staircase

Part I, ch. 5 (Sylvia Barrett)
Up the Down Staircase (1965)

Bel Kaufmanová photo

“With me they get a solid foundation, the disciplines of learning. In my class they don't get away with hot air discussions and exchanging their opinions and describing their experiences. What opinions can they have? What have they experienced? What do they know? That's an affront! They learn what I know.”

Bel Kaufmanová book Up the Down Staircase

Part V, ch. 26 (Mary Lewis)
Up the Down Staircase (1965)

Bel Kaufmanová photo

“When I tried to tell McHabe that it would have been more valuable to let Ferone keep his appointment with me than to kick him out, he let me have it:
"When you're in the system as long as I," he said (They all say that!) "you'll realize it isn't understanding they need. I understand them all right — they're no good."”

Bel Kaufmanová book Up the Down Staircase

Part V, ch. 26 (Sylvia Barrett)
Up the Down Staircase (1965)

Bel Kaufmanová photo

“Like most chairmen, he teaches only one class of Seniors; the most experienced teachers are frequently promoted right out of the classroom!”

Bel Kaufmanová book Up the Down Staircase

Part II, ch. 9 (Sylvia Barrett)
Up the Down Staircase (1965)