A timely collection of advice and strategies for creating a just classroom from educators across the country, handpicked by MacArthur “genius” and bestselling author Lisa Delpit

"A favorite education book of the year." —Greater Good magazine

Is it okay to discuss politics in class? 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? Confederate statue controversies? Immigration? Hate speech?

In Teaching When the World Is on Fire, Delpit turns to a host of crucial issues facing teachers in these tumultuous times. Delpit's master-teacher wisdom tees up guidance from beloved, well-known educators along with insight from dynamic principals and classroom teachers tackling difficult topics in K–12 schools every day.

This cutting-edge collection brings together essential observations on safety from Pedro Noguera and Carla Shalaby; incisive ideas on traversing politics from William Ayers and Mica Pollock; Christopher Emdin's instructive views on respecting and connecting with black and brown students; Hazel Edwards's crucial insight about safe spaces for transgender and gender-nonconforming students; and James W. Loewen's sage suggestions about exploring symbols of the South; as well as timely thoughts from Bill Bigelow on teaching the climate crisis—and on the students and teachers fighting for environmental justice.

Teachers everywhere will benefit from what Publishers Weekly called "an urgent and earnest collection [that] will resonate with educators looking to teach 'young people to engage across perspectives' as a means to 'creating a just and caring world.'"

Praise for Teaching When the World Is on Fire:
Named one of "Our Favorite Books for Educators in 2019" by Greater Good Magazine

"Teaching When the World Is on Fire is the perfect blueprint. . . . We can't change this world or put out these fires unless we engage and activate the minds and hearts of ourselves and our students. That process starts in these pages."
—Ms.

Praise for Lisa Delpit's Other People's Children:
"A godsend."
—Quarterly Black Review

"Phenomenal."
—The San Francisco Review of Books

Praise for Lisa Delpit's "Multiplication is for White People":
"Highly recommended."
—Choice

"Illuminating."
—Publishers Weekly

"Thought-provoking. "
—Harvard Educational Review

"[A] much-needed review of the American educational system."
—Kirkus Review

"Words of wisdom."
—Diane Ravitch

“Insightful and thought- provoking . . . just what you need to remember that change is possible and within our reach.”
—Pedro Noguera