Russia was changing rapidly during the late 1980’s under Gorbachev’s policies of perestroika and glasnost. Frank Thoms was one of first Americans to get a glimpse of this new Russia, as an exchange teacher.
Despite being raised in the 1950’s, when Russia and Communism were most definitely “the enemy,” Thoms always had a fascination with the country. When he finally had the opportunity to visit, he was determined to look “Behind the Red Veil” to form real relationships with his fellow teachers, and students, in this very foreign land.
More than 30 years and four books on education later, in 2020 Thoms published his memoir of that time. In this conversation, we explore the pros and cons of the collective mind-set on children’s education, and why now was the perfect time to finally finish this book.
Despite being raised in the 1950’s, when Russia and Communism were most definitely “the enemy,” Thoms always had a fascination with the country. When he finally had the opportunity to visit, he was determined to look “Behind the Red Veil” to form real relationships with his fellow teachers, and students, in this very foreign land.
More than 30 years and four books on education later, in 2020 Thoms published his memoir of that time. In this conversation, we explore the pros and cons of the collective mind-set on children’s education, and why now was the perfect time to finally finish this book.
I’m the kind of writer that writes sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph. I don’t do a first draft and then go back and rewrite it. I’m constantly composing and revising at the same time.
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Thank you, Monica, for posting this. I certainly enjoyed our conversation. You two are quite the duo. May you continue to find success. Happy New Year and stay well––and safe!
Frank
Thank you Frank, it was our pleasure!