About the Book

From one of Americaas most celebrated educators, an inspiring guide to transforming every childas education
In a Los Angeles neighborhood plagued by guns, gangs, and drugs, there is an exceptional classroom known as Room 56. The fifth graders inside are first-generation immigrants who live in poverty and speak English as a second language. They also play Vivaldi, perform Shakespeare, score in the top 1 percent on standardized tests, and go on to attend Ivy League universities. Rafe Esquith is the teacher responsible for these accomplishments.

From the man whom "The New York Times" calls aa genius and a sainta comes a revelatory program for educating todayas youth. In "Teach Like Your Hairas on Fire ," Rafe Esquith reveals the techniques that have made him one of the most acclaimed educators of our time. The two mottoes in Esquithas classroom are aBe Nice, Work Hard, a and aThere Are No Shortcuts.a His students voluntarily come to school at 6:30 in the morning and work until 5:00 in the afternoon. They learn to handle money responsibly, tackle algebra, and travel the country to study history. They pair "Hamlet" with rock and roll, and read the American classics. "Teach Like Your Hairas on Fire " is a brilliant and inspiring road map for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about the future success of our nationas children. BACKCOVER: Praise for Rafe Esquith:
aRafe Esquith is my only hero.a
aSir Ian McKellan
aPoliticians, burbling over how to educate the underclass, would do well to stop by Rafe Esquithas fifth grade class as it mounts its annual Shakespeare play. Sound like a grind? Listen to the peals of laughter bouncing off the classroom walls.a
"aTime"
aEsquith is a modern-day Thoreau, preaching the value of good work, honest self-reflection, and the courage to go oneas own way.a
"aNewsday"

Product Details

Media: Hardcover Book, 244 pages

Language: English

Publisher: Viking Books (Feb. 28th, 2007)

ISBN-10: 0670038156

ISBN-13: 9780670038152

Dimensions: 5.74 x 8.58 x 0.94 inches

Shipping Weight: 0.82 lbs

• Categories: Classroom Management