Contents
Preface ix
And then they set fires in the bathroom,
while she was trying to be so friendly.
Introduction by Lisa Delpit xv
Wanted: One teacher. Must be able to
listen, even when mad.
1. Knowing Students Well 1
If you pay attention, you can see it.
2. Respect, Liking, Trust, and Fairness 17
If you see the teacher respect students,
you'll follow that role model.
3. Classroom Behavior 36
A lot of people are afraid of teenagers.
They think we are these freak humans.
4. Creating a Culture of Success 62
He just pushed me to keep my head outa them boys
and into the books.
5. Teaching to the Individual, Working with the Group 85
One job of a teacher is to be fair to all.
Don't expect the work of one student from another.
6. Motivation and Boredom 100
Just saying you need to pass math isn't enough.
Show me how knowing pi is worth something.
7. Teaching Difficult Academic Material 123
She snatches history from the past and
puts it in my backyard.
8. Teaching Teenagers Who Are Still Learning English 145
Sometimes I don't know how to express who I am.
9. When Things Go Wrong 162
Try your best, don't give up.
10. Going Beyond the Classroom 175
It was more fun than in the classroom
and we learned it, too.
Afterword: How We Wrote This Book and Why It Matters 184
Has anyone ever asked you questions like this before?
Resources for Teachers 191
Acknowledgments 193
The Students: Brief Biographies 196
Index 199