In this article, the authors present the lessons learned by the teaching community from the September 11 attack and the ongoing war on terror. The ongoing war against terrorism presents some unique challenges to the nation's educators. Classroom teachers must cope with explaining to their students the daily war news and acts of violence. Decisions must be made about whether to continue with "business as usual" in the classroom or to devote class time to discussing current events. It is important for teachers to recognize that their students' behaviors and attitudes are influenced by changes in the political climate of the nation and world. Furthermore, the authors state that teachers must assist students to live, work, and solve problems collaboratively within their classroom communities. Through community building comes the potential for reducing discipline problems, decreasing violent behavior, and assisting students to become adults who seek greater community in their own lives and help build a sense of community in the world.