Fires In The Bathroom

Kathleen Cushman is the author of Fires in the Middle School Bathroom(The New Press). As a writer for What Kids Can Do, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, she works to bring forward the voices of student writers around the nation.She lives in New York City.

"In Fires 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 Bathroom should 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 Bathroom doles 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 unspoken bond between students and teachers.”—Chicago Tribune, Editor’s Choice"This chance to hear the authentic voice of students . . . should not be overlooked by anyone involved in teen education."—Publishers Weekly"Thoughtful and articulate . . . offer[s] insights about a range of school-related subjects, including classroom behavior, student motivation, and learning style."—Teacher Magazine"Fires in the Bathroom is a must for everyone concerned about our children and our schools . . . A wealth of information that can be put to immediate use . . . Treat yourself to this powerful new tool!"—Connections Magazine

• ContentsPreface ix“And then they set fires in the bathroom,while she was trying to be so friendly.”Introduction by Lisa Delpit xv“Wanted: One teacher. Must be able tolisten, even when mad.”1. Knowing Students Well 1“If you pay attention, you can see it.”2. Respect, Liking, Trust, and Fairness 17“If you see the teacher respect students,you’ll follow that role model.”3. Classroom Behavior 36“A lot of people are afraid of teenagers.They think we are these freak humans.”4. Creating a Culture of Success 62“He just pushed me to keep my head outa them boysand into the books.”5. Teaching to the Individual, Working with the Group 85“One job of a teacher is to be fair to all.Don’t expect the work of one student from another.”6. Motivation and Boredom 100“Just saying you need to pass math isn’t enough.Show me how knowing pi is worth something.”7. Teaching Difficult Academic Material 123“She snatches history from the past andputs it in my backyard.”8. Teaching Teenagers Who Are Still Learning English 145“Sometimes I don’t know how to express who I am.”9. When Things Go Wrong 162“Try your best, don’t give up.”10. Going Beyond the Classroom 175“It was more fun than in the classroom—and we learned it, too.”Afterword: How We Wrote This Book—and Why It Matters 184“Has anyone ever asked you questions like this before?”Resources for Teachers 191Acknowledgments 193The Students: Brief Biographies 196Index 199