Recognize and Respond to Emotional and Behavioral Issues in the Classroom: A Teacher's Guide

Teachers are often the first to identify a child’s emotional or behavioral problems—but with limited time and resources, knowing how to start helping can be a tough challenge. This quick-guide puts key psychological principles and straightforward, classroom-ready strategies at every K-12 teacher’s fingertips, they can provide effective supports for students, keep families involved, and recognize when outside help is needed.

Based on the authors’ years of experience with students, teachers, and families, this reader-friendly guide is equally useful for working with students with and without a specific diagnosis. Teachers will learn practical strategies they can immediately implement to help students with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties:

• bullying—both verbal and physical
• poor concentration and impulsive behavior
• performance anxiety during exams and class time
• trouble fitting in with peers
• low moods
• aggressive behavior
• rule-breaking and disregard for authority
• resistance to or fear of school
• communication challenges
• struggles with social cues
• lack of personal boundaries

In each concise, accessible chapter, teachers will get a case study and quick profile of a specific emotional or behavioral issue, recommendations on optimal classroom structure and student and family collaboration, and guidelines on when to seek further consultation or referral. Practice exercises and discussion questions make this an ideal resource for professional development sessions, and the helpful forms and handouts (also available online!) are easy to use with students and email to families.

A must for new teachers and seasoned educators who want fresh, effective strategies, this book is the perfect starting point for addressing everyday emotional and behavioral challenges so that all students are ready to learn.

Andrew Jonathan Cole, Psy.D.is a licensed psychologist in New York and Maine. Currently, he conducts psychoeducational assessments and provides consultation for primary and secondary schools and mental health clinics. His diverse experience and training also include work in a university counseling center, private practice, outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities, and as the supervisor of a forensic rehabilitation program. As an individual and family psychotherapist, he supports struggling students with educational and behavioral problems and their caregivers.

 Dr. Cole holds both a Psy.D. and M.A. in clinical psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University; an M.A. in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York; and a B.A. in psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. He now lives and works in Maine, where he enjoys exploring the wilderness and writing essays and poetry in his spare time.

Aaron M. Shupp, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist in New York. He has been providing psychological services to children, families, and adults for more than 10 years in settings that have included outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and school-based treatment programs. His practice has included individual, family, and group psychotherapy; psychological assessments; systemic interventions; and consultation. Dr. Shupp has worked in both private practice and public service. His work also includes assessment and treatment of forensic patients, for which he has been called to provide expert testimony.

Dr. Shupp earned his bachelor’s degree from Whittier College and graduated in 2004 from Pacific University School of Professional Psychology with his doctorate in clinical psychology.

Dr. Shupp previously worked as the only psychologist in a schoolbased treatment program for children with serious emotional and behavioral challenges. He worked closely with teachers, community providers, families, educational staff, and school administrators to develop and implement effective, individualized treatment plans for students ranging in age from 5 to 17.