This book provides an autobiographical and research-based exploration of the perceptions of Black middle and upper class preservice teachers about teaching and learning in high poverty urban schools. While there is an extensive body of knowledge on White preservice teachers, limited studies examine Black middle and upper class preservice teachers who may also lack experience with students in high poverty urban schools. Through this narrative, the author explores her own professional journey and a research study of former students who experienced the same boundary crossing. Their voices add to the body of current knowledge of how race and class affect the perceptions of preservice teachers.

This book describes the contributions of twenty-two educators and events that have shaped the field of education, often receiving little to no public recognition, including: Edmonia Godelle Highgate, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Selena Sloan Butler, Alonzo Aristotle Crim, Sabbath Schools, and African American Boarding Schools. These individuals and events have established and sustained education in communities across the United States. This book will help foster a renewed sense of importance both for those considering teaching and for teachers in classrooms across the country.