Some of us choose professions in our youth and never stray from that vision. Others among us seem to have our vocations thrust upon us, as if the hand of the Almighty carved a pathway not of our choosing. For teacher David Lazerson, this scenario was his reality. By the time he finally embraced the idea of becoming an educator, he was full of idealism, determination, and hopefulness. Little did he realize that his starry-eyed vision of impacting young people's lives would be tested on the grounds of an ill-reputed inner-city school, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community School, in Buffalo, NY.

Skullcaps 'n' Switchblades is a descript title for this book. Mr. Laz, as his students learn to call him, is a committed Orthodox Jew who attempts to teach, communicate, and survive his first teaching job in this challenging environment. He asks himself, quite simply, whether skullcaps & switchblades can ever get along. Through an honest re-telling of these amazing events, Dr. David Lazerson paints a compelling portrait of two distinct cultures, and the insights gained through these experiences. Skullcaps 'n Switchblades will have you laughing out loud, shedding some tears, and feeling inspired.