Rafe Esquith has taught for 23 years at Hobart Boulevard Elementary School in Los Angeles. In a neighborhood plagued by gangs, guns, and drugs, his is a special classroom known as Room 56. Within its walls, children living in poverty play Vivaldi concertos, perform unabridged plays by Shakespeare, and go on to attend top universities. In 2003, President Bush presented Esquith with the National Medal of Arts. He is the only teacher ever to receive this honor (but hopefully not the last). In addition, Esquith is the author of "There Are No Shortcuts". In his new book, "Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56" (Viking Penguin, 2007), Esquith reveals many of the techniques that have made him one of the most acclaimed educators of their time. But while his honors and books have pushed him into the public realm, Esquith's heart remains in the classroom. He still teaches every day in Room 56. In fact, his is one of the few education books written by "an actual classroom teacher," as is stated on the cover. This paper presents a preview of what Esquith has to say about avoiding fear, building classroom trust, and what it means to teach with your hair on fire.