Fires in the Bathroom: Advice for Teachers from High School Students [Paperback]

Since its initial publication in hardcover in 2003,Fires in the Bathroomhas been through multiple printings and received the attention of teachers across the country. Now in paperback, Kathleen Cushman’s groundbreaking book offers original insights into teaching teenagers in today’s hard-pressed urban high schools from the point of view of the students themselves. It speaks to both new and established teachers, giving them firsthand information about who their students are and what they need to succeed.

Students from across the country contributed perceptive and pragmatic answers to questions of how teachers can transcend the barriers of adolescent identity and culture to reach the diverse student body in today’s urban schools. With the fresh and often surprising perspectives of youth, they tackle tough issues such as increasing engagement and motivation, teaching difficult academic material, reaching English-language learners, and creating a classroom culture where respect and success go hand in hand.

InFires in the Bathroom. . . students turn the tables on adults, and tell them how to do their jobs.
—New York Times

An important book . . . a powerful critique of American teaching . . .Fires in the Bathroomshould find a place in any professional development library. . . The student voices give its advice . . . an authenticity and a sincerity that advice books for teachers often lack . . . A powerful and compelling document . . . A major contribution.
—Teachers College Record

Fires in the Bathroomdoles out practical advice . . . [in] an unusual . . . effort to tap the opinions of American high school students . . . Students get a rare opportunity to voice their opinions about what works and what doesn’t.”
—Los Angeles Times

This book turns the student-teacher relationship upside down . . . Suggests ways to deepen the lƒ-