This book shares the stories of 13 successful urban teachers who offer advice on effective instructional strategies, gaining students' cooperation, managing the classroom, and developing curricula that match students' interests and academic levels. Ten chapters are: (1) "Why Teach in an Urban School?" (the lives of urban teachers and what urban communities are like); (2) "Rethinking Your Culture of Education" (e.g., culturally responsive teachers' beliefs and assessing cultural expectations); (3) "The First Year of Urban Teaching" (e.g., first-year challenges and changing for the better); (4) "Creating a Positive and Productive Learning Environment" (e.g., challenges urban teachers face and establishing behavioral expectations); (5) "Choosing Appropriate Curricula" (e.g., the real meaning of curriculum and involving students in determining curriculum); (6) "Responsive Instruction" (e.g., encouraging risk-taking and instructional needs of diverse learners); (7) "Language Considerations in Instructional Processes" (e.g., culturally responsive instructional communication and communicating with second language learners); (8) "The Real Meaning of Assessment" (e.g., gathering student data and genuine assessment); (9) "Reasonable Expectations or Impossible Standards?" (e.g., what standards are and how teacher measure success); and (10) "Garnering Support from Colleagues, Caregivers, and Administrators." (Chapters contain references.) (SM)