HOST JACKIE TANTILLO - She Was A Superhero In The Classroom with Guests Michael and James Shapiro

<p>My initial thought was to find information about  William Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden.  I was curious as to the role she played or didn't play in her son's life.  That search led me to Shakespearian expert and Columbia University English Professor, James Shapiro.  His initial responses was, "your podcast will last about 30 seconds because we don't know much about her."  That said, he mentioned that he and his  brother Michael, also a professor at Columbia University (Graduate School of Journalism), would be interested in sharing stories about their mother who had also been a teacher.  Both brothers agree that their mother  "was the greatest teacher ever."  "My mother represented</p><p>Unfortunately Lorraine had a very unhappy childhood. She was her father's daughter. The youngest of three children with two older brothers, Lorraine and her mom didn't see eye to eye. Therefore Lorraine lacked self confidence when at home, confronted by her mother. Out of this fractured relationship, Lorraine found a world full of fantasy and boundless imagination with her students. James says  " mom was a pathological fantasist. She believed that every child should have a dream." "Because of her unhappy childhood, continues Michael, she decided to recreate the world by sheer force of imagination and will."</p><p>Mrs. Shapiro devoted her life to her family- her husband,  Herb, of 65 years, her children and her students. She  always told her children  that they were  accomplished and that they were going to succeed. That didn't mean that she didn't push them to work harder and do better- perhaps as Michael says "she sent mixed signals sometimes."</p><p>During our conversation,  James and Michael share what a brilliant baker their mother was and how hard she worked to have fresh baked individual goodies ready for them each morning before running out the door to teach. However, when it came to main meals/dinner entrees, let's just say that wasn't her strong point.  </p><p>Lorraine was  a teacher before she met her future husban