Educating in Dangerous Times: A Call to Reenvision Public School in America

"Education is not only in danger but in need of direction--a direction that is bold, inclusive, and relentless in pursuit of justice ... In times like these, books like this guide us toward the world that is possible." --Bettina L. Love, author of Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal

A compilation of leading education scholars on reenvisioning and creating equitable, inclusive, and democratic public schools

Against the backdrop of a rising tide of authoritarianism and white nationalism, a new and virulent strain of education politics has arisen, making public schools a primary site of political contention.

Educating in Dangerous Times raises the central question: How should we reenvision public schools and collectively create the public schools we need? The heart of the book centers on short, personal, and engaging chapters authored by leading education scholars who teach, study, and write about learning, school leadership, and the politics of education. Featured scholars include Antero Garcia (Stanford University), Julian Vasquez Heilig (Western Michigan University), Pedro Noguera (University of Southern California), Marcelle Haddix (University of Wisconsin-Madison), and many others.

Issues are wide ranging and stretch from supporting marginalized youth and the rise of authoritarianism to rethinking English language arts and mathematics instruction.

Each chapter reenvisions a different future beyond the constrictions and threats we are facing now and proposes a path forward for public schools in regard to the chapter focus.

This book illuminates the many educators, students, parents, and community leaders who desire more equitable, inclusive, and democratic schools--schools that affirm the value of each student and foster feelings of safety and belonging, and support development toward students' aspirations.

Author: George Theoharis
Publisher: Beacon Press
Published: 08/25/2026
Pages: 304
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780807025154

About the Author
George Theoharis is Professor of Educational Leadership and Inclusive Education in the School of Education at Syracuse University. A former K-12 principal and teacher, George served as department chair, associate dean, and director of field relations at Syracuse. He directs the doctorate program in leading equitable schools.

John Rogers is a professor and associate Dean at UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies and the director of UCLA's Institute for Democracy, Education, and Access (IDEA). He also serves as the faculty director of Center X, which houses UCLA's Teacher Education Program, Principal Leadership Program, and professional development initiatives.