No Angel in the Classroom: Teaching through Feminist Discourse presents a theoretically complex yet down-to-earth and personal account of feminist teaching in higher education. Starting with a nuanced interpretation of consciousness-raising, longtime feminist educator Berenice Malka Fisher develops her philosophy of feminist teaching as a form of political discourse. Through reflection on a series of candid classroom stories, she analyzes knotty problems faced by academics and activists. What counts as knowledge in discussion of feminist issues? Can teachers exercise authority without being authoritarian? What is the role of caring in political deliberation? Should safety be considered when students and teachers address volatile topics? How can feminist and other teachers committed to social justice give serious attention to the intersections of gender, race, and sexual orientation? This groundbreaking book is intended for the beginning and veteran teachers and others concerned with the contribution of education to extending social justice. Fisher's work offers a pedagogical vision that inspires both passion and critical thinking.

"No Angel in the Classroom feels like participating in a scholarly discussion with a thoughtful mentor. It provides a coherent, focused vision of feminist pedagogy." - Feminist Formations

"Berenice Malka Fisher steps back from the narrowness of contemporary pedagogical debate to address more philosophical questions, such as the nature of feminist pedagogy, and aims to share the experiences of those who address social justice through their teaching. Fisher's book doesn't put forward easy answers to the question of what feminist pedagogy is, but characterizes it as work-in-progress, encouraging teachers to reflect upon their own practice and struggle towards their own answers and goes some way toward alleviating the sense of isolation that those who engage in feminist theory and practice feel." - Education Review

"Berenice Malka Fisher has written a book that should be of interest to all feminist teachers. The book is dynamic and highly readable, with numerous examples of hypothetical classroom situations that make the issues it discusses concrete. She [Fisher] raises important questions and discusses them thoughtfully. If you have taught, are teaching, or might teach, this is a good book to show you that you are not only one who finds it difficult." - Off Our Backs: The Feminist NewsJournal

"Teachers may find this book useful in approaching topics dealing with women's studies and feminism." - Hispanic Outlook

"A thought-provoking work, offering a social history of the feminist movement and relating the author's experiences as a long-time feminist educator." - Library Journal

"No Angel in the Classroom engages these and many more such classroom dynamics in the most wide-ranging and througt-provoking examination of feminist pedagogy." - Psychology of Women Quarterly

"No Angel in the Classroom is thought provoking... Fisher's contribution to our understanding of feminist teaching is a valuable addition." - Gender & Society

"No Angel in the Classroom engages classroom dynamics in the most wide-ranging and thought-provoking examination of feminist pedagogy I've read since bell hooks'Teaching to Transgress. I recommend this book to the neophyte as well as the established feminist academic." - Psychology of Women Quarterly

"A fascinating glimpse of a first generation of feminist academics at work." - Journal Of Educational Thought(Jet)

"One of the most worthwhile reasons for reading this book is the pragmatic teaching advice." - Interchange

"Inspiring , scholarly and wonderfully readable book." - Studies In Continuing Education