Interest in case-based teaching is growing in both teacher preparation and inservice training programs. This volume presents 13 cases, set in inner-city schools in San Francisco and Los Angeles (California) and Phoenix (Arizona). The student population in these areas is enormously diverse, encompassing an array of races, cultures, and languages. The cases, written by veteran teachers, describe some of the most problematic experiences of their careers. Some writers look back to novice days and discuss how a situation was handled, and reflect on what might be done differently now; others tell about current problems with unresolved dilemmas. The commentaries that follow each case are intended to broaden case analysis offering differing interpretations, raising critical questions, and exploring issues that are either overt or suggested by nuances in the narrative. The cases are organized into four categories: (1) "Teaching New Concepts and Skills"; (2) "Integrating Non-English Speakers into the Classroom"; (3) "Interactions with Students"; and (4) "The Influence of Parents and Community." An annotated bibliography and guidelines for writing a case are appended. (LL)