This seminar engages students directly with the exciting work of teaching, curriculum development, and working with youth in middle and high school classrooms. Explorations of vital areas of education are joined with discussions of important contemporary issues facing youth, teachers, and our school systems. The development of engaging and creative learning environments is a central focus, as are teacher practices which support the academic, social, emotional, and identity strengths and needs of youth. This course is accompanied by registration in EDUC 398H which includes working with youth in middle school and high school classrooms. This course is designed for seniors in the Wellesley Secondary Teacher Education Program.