Tough but Worth It: What We Can Do to Include Students Experiencing Emotional and Behavioral Struggles (Strategies to build stronger teacher-student relationships)

The most powerful classroom tool isn’t a program; it’s educators like you. Authors Christopher L. Van Loan and Justin D. Garwood show teachers how to shift from managing behavior to transforming and building genuine, high-quality relationships through reflection, self-awareness, and connection. Learn how to calm crises, rebuild trust, and rekindle your purpose by changing the way you see yourself and your students.

K–12 teachers and administrators can use this book to:

• Model calm, constructive responses that help students navigate emotional and behavioral challenges
• Approach struggling students from a place of empathy, strength, and encouragement
• Identify the roots of conflict and de-escalate tension before it turns into a crisis
• Integrate emotional and behavioral learning seamlessly with academic instruction
• Discover collaboration methods for working with fellow teachers

Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Encourage Inclusion Through Relationships
Chapter 2: Get to Know Your Tough Kids
Chapter 3: Navigate Conflict—Knowing Ourselves, Knowing Our Students
Chapter 4: Manage and De-Escalate a Crisis
Chapter 5: Balance Behavior, Emotions, and Learning
Chapter 6: Prepare Teachers for Tough Kids
Epilogue
References and Resources
Index