In this updated edition, Ladson-Billings provides a new introduction and conclusion where she revisits the original teachers profiled, and introduces us to a new set of teachers who are current exemplars of good teaching.  Through these outstanding teachers, she shows that culturally relevant teaching is not a matter of race, gender, or teaching style.  What matters most is a teacher's efforts to work with the unique strengths a child brings to the classroom.

Written in three voices--that of an African American scholar and researcher, an African American teacher, and an African American parent and active community member, this book is a mixture of scholarship and storytelling.  Ladson-Billing's portraits, interwoven with personal reflections, challenge readers to envision intellectually rigorous and culturally relevant classrooms that have the power to improve the lives of not just African American students, but all children.

This edition also includes a new resource section and questions for reflection.