This text presents a compassionate view of teaching in an urban setting with practical suggestions, recommendations, and examples for powerful and effective teaching aimed at improving student academic performance.

Each chapter explores major considerations related to educating students of diverse cultures typical of urban classroom settings. Preservice teachers are able to better understand the complex social, academic, emotional, and economic factors that define today’s urban classrooms. The needs of urban schools–their students, teachers, community supporters, and stakeholders–are identified and various strategies are explored.