The Unteachables

Why do you think Korman chose to tell the story from multiple character viewpoints? What are the pros and cons to telling a story this way? Are there any perspectives you feel are unnecessary? If so, which and why?

The kids’ vuvuzela heist is punished with suspension, but it also deepens the relationship between Mr. Kermit and the class. Do you think the theft was right, wrong, or a mix of both? Can you see the argument for the opposite choice?

Discuss the GOODBUNNIES behavior chart. What effect does it have on the Unteachables? What might be a better system for awarding good behavior?

Students in room 117 thrive outside of traditional learning, but core subjects are important to succeeding in school. Compare and contrast the effect of core subjects (math, English, science, social studies) and non-core subjects (art, music, etc.) in on the kids in room 117.

Many of the students in room 117 seem to be there because they do not do well with traditional teaching. By contrast, Ms. Fountain takes an atypical approach to teaching “normal” middle schoolers. Why haven’t other teachers tried her methods or other unorthodox techniques with the room 117 kids?

Though he made terrible choices in middle school, Jake Terranova grew into a responsible and successful adult. Choose three students from room 117. Using Jake as a model, speculate on what their future might look like. Why did you choose these outcomes? What do your choices say about the transition from childhood to adulthood?

Dr. Thaddeus blames Mr. Kermit for the cheating scandal, even though he knows Mr. Kermit wasn’t responsible. What does this say about Dr. Thaddeus’s character? What personality trait(s) cause Dr. Thaddeus to hold a grudge for so long? What other motivations, besides stopping Mr. Kermit’s pension, might Dr. Thaddeus’s have to fire Mr. Kermit?

In Chapter 11, Mr. Kermit gives a speech about how spirit isn’t something that can be forced or scheduled. Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not? Do you think Spirit Week truly fosters spirit? What might be a more effective way of cultivating support in an institution? Support your answer with evidence from the text.