Students Praise Actor's First Year As Teacher

The AP (9/29, Matheson) reports, "When former sitcom star Tony Danza began teaching English at a Philadelphia high school, no one really knew what to expect. Not even Tony Danza." Danza taught one 90-minute class at Northeast High School last year, where he dealt "with cheating and violence," met "with parents of obstinate students, and" tried "to balance discipline with empathy -- all while teaching 'Of Mice and Men' and other books to teens with varying academic abilities." In addition, he "helped coach Northeast's football team, organized a student variety show, sang the national anthem at a Phillies game, and participated in a citywide clean-up and a poetry slam." Danza's students have "largely praised him, citing everything from his lessons...to his caring attitude and positive outlook on life," the AP adds.