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Spectacular Things Happen Along the Way: Lessons from an Urban Classroom
This celebrated narrative shows how a teacher, alongside his 5th-grade students, co-created a curriculum based on the students’ needs, interests, and questions. Follow Brian Schultz and his students from a Chicago housing project as they work together to develop an emergent and authentic curriculum based on what is most important to the 5th-graders—replacing their dilapidated school. The persuasive storytelling that captured the attention of educators and the media depicts the journey of one teacher in an urban school and his students juxtaposed against the powerful and entrenched bureaucracy of Chicago’s public education system. In this second edition, Schultz examines how school reform continues to fail students in urban contexts, reflects on his teaching and writing from a decade ago, and offers compelling updates on students and what became of the school. A lot can be learned from the young people of Room 405, then and now. Not only did these particular 5th-graders push back against the city and school board in their pursuit for a better learning environment for themselves and their community, but they also learned about the power of using their voices in purposeful ways.
Book Features:
Depictions of justice-oriented teaching amidst the current climate of high-stakes testing, standardization, and accountability.
Details of the trials, tribulations, and missteps alongside the successes and discoveries the teacher and students experienced along the way.
Insights to help teachers reflect, change, and transform their own classroom practices.
A new Foreword by Pedro Noguera, “A Lesson for Teachers on Making Choices and Making a Difference.”
A new Afterword by Sonia Nieto, “On Teaching with Hope and Humility.”
Book Features:
Depictions of justice-oriented teaching amidst the current climate of high-stakes testing, standardization, and accountability.
Details of the trials, tribulations, and missteps alongside the successes and discoveries the teacher and students experienced along the way.
Insights to help teachers reflect, change, and transform their own classroom practices.
A new Foreword by Pedro Noguera, “A Lesson for Teachers on Making Choices and Making a Difference.”
A new Afterword by Sonia Nieto, “On Teaching with Hope and Humility.”
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
12 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 15, 2016
I read this for a grad school class, and I have a love hate relationship with it. I love what Shultz was trying to do, and I appreciated the honesty from his journal entries, but I hate that all we will hear from him is the inexperienced teacher stumbling through something new, because it is clear that he left the classroom after this experience. I would have appreciated reading about what his students accomplished after he'd been teaching like this for four or five years - how would different groups of students have responded differently? What other passion projects would children in this neighborhood come up with? It is unfortunate that many of those who write books are also people who experienced only a year or two in the classroom.
September 18, 2014
Excellent read. The book discusses a classroom in Cabrini-Green that was badly in disrepair. The class decides to fight for a new school; a school that would have a lunchroom, gym, water fountains, working toilets, soap in the bathroom, windows that are not fogged out and accessorized with bullet holes. It doesn't seem like a silly request, but they must go to great lengths in their effort. They contact political figures and mount an impressive campaign for the heart of their community. Spectacular things happen for the students, as they learn about their voice in the world and how to fight the good fight, and spectacular things happen for the reader, as they are inspired by the growth and courage that is required for this battle. Did I mention they are fifth graders? Highly recommended reading for teachers who want to make a difference, students who want to be inspired and connect with other students from different zip codes, and decision makers who need to be reminded how to listen to the needs of those they affect.
November 19, 2016
3.5 stars. Very compelling story. Still feel a little conflicted about the white teacher in an urban school aspect of the work. Looking forward to discussing the book in class on Monday.
December 21, 2020
(Read for a class in grad school)
At times, this book was very inspiring and encouraging. But there were also numerous places where the story glossed over things that I felt should have been given more attention. It felt on many occasions that the author assumed his readers knew or understood things that were not at all clear — such as the fact that he incorporated all the subjects into this style of teaching. (That’s great, but it was not at all apparent during the narrative how the various core subjects played into their day.)
This was a fairly short and quick read, but I feel it could have been more impactful, especially for new teachers, if he had fleshed out some of his ideas a bit more. I’m not suggesting it should have been a “How To” manual, but even a few instances of “here is an example of how I was able to implement A-B-C...” could have made a significant difference in setting the overall value of this book as a resource versus an entertaining/uplifting account that threatens to leave many readers frustrated.
At times, this book was very inspiring and encouraging. But there were also numerous places where the story glossed over things that I felt should have been given more attention. It felt on many occasions that the author assumed his readers knew or understood things that were not at all clear — such as the fact that he incorporated all the subjects into this style of teaching. (That’s great, but it was not at all apparent during the narrative how the various core subjects played into their day.)
This was a fairly short and quick read, but I feel it could have been more impactful, especially for new teachers, if he had fleshed out some of his ideas a bit more. I’m not suggesting it should have been a “How To” manual, but even a few instances of “here is an example of how I was able to implement A-B-C...” could have made a significant difference in setting the overall value of this book as a resource versus an entertaining/uplifting account that threatens to leave many readers frustrated.
September 27, 2009
This book is truly inspiring. I had tears streaming down my face and had only hit page 7. Basically, these 5th graders in the Cabrini Green neighborhood are encouraged by their teacher to change their horrendous school. Toilets dont work, the heaters are broken, bullet holes decorate the windows. This is all only 2 years ago, minutes away from Chicagos richest neighborhood! So, the kids start writing to newspapers/senators,etc...and really do something. I just started it, but wow. Really inspiring read.
February 27, 2012
This book was amazing. The children accomplished so much. Half of the things they did for their school seemed impossible for students their age to do. I couldn't believe there was schools out there in those conditions. If i attended that school i probably wouldn't want to go either. This book was an eye opener. When you think you have it bad just remember that there's someone else out there that has it worse.
January 13, 2016
I had to read this book for a class and I have to admit it was pretty great. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I hear stories of teachers that do amazing things. The story of these amazing students and the teacher that learned right along with them is inspiring. I am pretty sure I could never reach the level of excellence he does as an educator, but how the students became the leader in this scenario is inspiring and motivating!
January 19, 2009
This is a really excellent example of curricular co-creation and what can happen when a teacher allows students to take ownership of their learning. Schultz also does a really nice job examining his role as a white male teacher in a classroom of mostly African American students.
I'm using this text with my students this semester as they negotiate their own inquiry projects.
I'm using this text with my students this semester as they negotiate their own inquiry projects.
June 3, 2014
A great story and excellent use of sources. From Anyon's research on the hidden curriculum of urban schooling, to philosophers like Dewey on foundational elements of what true education should be about, Schultz does a thorough job of incorporating the key elements into intelligently executing a plan laid out by the students. I am utterly impressed.
October 17, 2009
This is an uplifting book for educators and basically anyone who works with at-risk and/or inner city youth. It shows us that kids can do some amazing things with the right motivation, a little creative thinking, and having teachers that show a little faith in them.
June 2, 2016
Read this for a class ... very good and inspiring classroom success story. He doesn't address some issues, but it is a very good read.
July 2, 2019
Read this for school. I felt like there was a lot of struggles left out, and it sometimes read as a hero narrative.
September 16, 2021
Schultz’s work is self-aware, critical and an inspiration to teachers. The second edition introduction is a necessary inclusions of the books shortcomings, namely the inescapably of the white savior and idealism as erasing the ‘messiness’ of the classroom. A read that might make teachers consider implementing social justice practices within their classroom and work within the ‘cracks’ of the system.
March 9, 2023
If you’re not counting the books you read for school, you are simply cheating yourself for your book challenge💪🏼 I actually did enjoy this book tho. All about stepping back and letting children have control of their classroom, teachers should be one of many resources that promote learning, not the only resource. Loosen the reigns and LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS, we have more to learn from them than we think!!
April 20, 2025
Read this for a class and I would guess that anyone in Education could predict the entire tome. It was fine… but disappointing in practical measures or glimmers of potential applications.
August 1, 2011
"Spectacular Things Happen Along the Way: Lessons from an Urban Classroom"" is a beautifully written, well-researched, and heartfelt account of one classroom's journey from stereotyped and ignored to empowered, challenged and brilliant. Schultz's narrative intelligently interweaves the students thoughts, hopes, disappointments, work, and words with his own reservations, thoughts, struggles, and triumphs. Furthermore, he manages to connect, explain, and reinforce their story with some of the greatest educational philosophy and research available (e.g. Dewey. Kozol, Freire, etc.).
October 27, 2008
This is a book written by a former teacher in Chicago. It was a great read for teachers!
June 13, 2025
5/5 importance, 4/5 reliability, 4/5 entertainment
November 11, 2016
Wouldn't super recommend.
April 14, 2017
Loved the author's tone as he described this unconventional way of approaching teaching! I am amazed by how well he was able to include the students in creating curriculum. Great story!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews