A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in the Elementary Classroom

Dr. Mitchell Yell is the Fred and Francis Lester Chair and a Professor in the Programs in Special Education at USC.  Dr. Yell received his Ph.D. degree in 1992 from the University of Minnesota in Special Education with an emphasis in emotional and behavior disorders and Special Education Administration. Prior to going to the University of South Carolina, Dr. Yell was a public school teacher in Minnesota for 16 years.  At the University of South Carolina he has directed the teacher preparation program in high-incidence disabilities and has over 18 years experience supervising field experiences and preparing preservice teachers on the elementary and secondary levels. In 2010 Dr. Yell received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders. Dr. Yell has published over 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of two textbooks on legal issues in special education (The Law and Special Education, 3^rd edition; No Child Left Behind:  A guide for practitioners, both published by Pearson/Merrill Education.  Dr. Yell is also the first author of a methods textbook for preparing teachers to work with students with emotional disabilities, Evidence-based Practices for Educating Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, which was published by Pearson/Merrill Education.

Stephen W. Smith is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Florida (UF). Prior to receiving his Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Kansas, he was a teacher of special education students for eight years. Dr. Smith teaches graduate courses in special education and research and has conducted multiple federally funded investigations of effective behavior management techniques. He has presented his findings and recommendations at numerous state, regional, national, and international professional conferences. While at UF, Dr. Smith has received three teaching awards, a University Research Award, and has served twice as a UF Research Foundation Professor. He is a member of the IES Social and Behavioral Education Scientific Research Review Panel and is a member of the Executive Board of the Division for Research, Council for Exceptional Children.