Teaching When the World Is on Fire

In this inspiring collection for these times, the award-winning, bestselling author—and MacArthur genius—gathers all-star advice for K–12 teachers on engaging students around today's toughest issues

Is it okay to discuss politics in class? How can teachers talk about immigration without putting undocumented students in the spotlight or at risk? What are constructive ways to help young people process the daily news coverage of sexual assault? How can educators engage students around Black Lives Matter? Climate change? Hate speech? Confederate statue controversies?

Lisa Delpit's Other People's Children, a classic text on cultural slippage in classrooms, has sold over a quarter million copies. In Teaching When the World Is on Fire, Delpit now turns to a host of crucial issues facing teachers in these tumultuous times. Anchored by a smart introduction that provides a framework for tackling difficult topics with students, Delpit's master-teacher wisdom tees up insight from high-profile educators including José Luis Vilson, Jesse Hagopian, Bill Ayers, Carla Shalaby, and Mica Pollock, along with critical guidance from K–12 classroom teachers and well-known education networks including Rethinking Schools, the Zinn Education Project, and Facing History and Ourselves.

This timely, urgent volume is sure to inspire teachers who are eager to support their students in navigating the current events, cultural shifts, and social dilemmas that shape our communities, our country, and our world.