“Working Together: Teaching and Learning in the Urban Classroom” is the theme of Special Edition 2003. In this issue, teacher-authors reflect on a broad range of Teacher Center work as they describe collaboratively developed, creative solutions to multiple educational challenges.

We learn from our authors how standards and curriculum guide collaboration and how collaboration enables teaching that actively engages students with diverse talents, interests and needs—both in the classroom and in the larger community.

As our authors depict the interaction of teachers and students in the course of their work, we see into our large urban system and find that schools and classrooms form learning communities within it. In these, unfolding uniquely for each student and teacher, teaching and learning take place both on a one-by-one basis and for community members together.

The UFT Teacher Center mission is to nurture students’ development, encourage their achievement and foster their creativity. Now more than ever, we celebrate collaboration and cooperation on behalf of all of our children and their futures.

Aminda Gentile, Director,
UFT Teacher Center
Professional Development Program