The story is told through the lens of Frank McCourt's experiences as a teacher in the New York City public school system. The book specifically mentions his experiences teaching at New York's public schools, particularly in the Bronx.
While the novel mainly takes place in New York City, the narrative also features brief glimpses of Ireland, McCourt's homeland. The reader learns about McCourt's childhood and experiences there, providing context for his later life in America.
Therefore, the setting of "Teacher Man" is primarily New York City, with a secondary setting in Ireland. The specific locations in New York City, like the Bronx and various schools, are crucial to the story's depiction of McCourt's life and experiences as a teacher.