Cultivate a thriving classroom and reignite a love of teaching. Gain effective strategies to understand student behavioral patterns in relation to brain development. With thoughtful suggestions on how to implement and adapt proposed strategies as needed, K–12 teachers will create and manage a classroom environment that maximizes learning and student engagement, makes students eager to attend class, and causes teachers to feel renewed professionally. K–12 teachers can use this book to: Gain insights into psychological development and its impact on student behavior - Cultivate positive classroom environments that nurture learning and independence - Develop classroom management plans that set clear expectations for student behavior - Establish support networks of students, families, and communities to enhance learning - Mitigate the effects of burnout through simple self-care practices and strategies Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: Understand Student Behavior and How They Think Chapter 2: Cultivate a Positive Classroom Environment Chapter 3: Communicate Expectations and Establish Boundaries Chapter 4: Provide Additional Support for Students Who Need More Chapter 5: Promote Student Independence and Learning Chapter 6: Support Students by Building Bridges Within the School Community Chapter 7: Practice Self-Care Epilogue References and Resources Index “ Learning, Behavior, and Your Classroom is full of great ways to create a positive behavior management plan for your classroom. Any teacher intent on continuous improvement (including veterans struggling with classroom management) could pick up this book and find something to implement to get a little better each year.” -- Jennifer Renegar , data and assessment specialist, Republic School District, Missouri “I would love this book if I were a new teacher. It has all the essentials for effective teaching, and it works through them methodically. As a seasoned teacher, I knew most things, but I found it a great refresher, a nice, condensed version of teaching life that I can use as a go-to when I am in a slump or crunched for time.” -- Teresa Kinley , senior school English teacher, Alberta “This is a much-needed book! From preservice student teachers to veteran educators, this book introduces—or reminds us—of the truth that what really matters is our students and their success. We simply cannot do our jobs well without the knowledge found in these pages. Thank you Dr. Zolkoski for providing practical steps for accomplishing this work!” -- LaKerria Carouthers , fourth-grade teacher, Springfield Elementary School, South Carolina Staci M. Zolkoski, PhD , is an associate professor of special education at the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler). Prior to working at the collegiate level, Dr. Zolkoski taught kindergarten and fourth grade. She teaches classroom management at the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as courses in special education, behavior disorders, and educational strategies. She has won the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society Teacher of the Year award for the UT Tyler School of Education two times and for the UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology one time. Dr. Zolkoski is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children as well as an active member of the Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (DEBH), where she serves on the publications and professional development committees. She is the treasurer of the DEBH Foundation and the editor of the DEBH newsletter, Behavior Today . Dr. Zolkoski has presented and published her research on resilience and social-emotional learning at the national and international levels. She has worked with local school districts to implement social-emotional learning and has trained teachers and schools in social-emotional learning and classroom management. Dr. Zolkoski has also presented for ElevateTXEd, which is a collaborative effort across the University of Texas System. Dr. Zolkoski earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Toledo in Ohio. She earned her master’s degree and doctorate in special education with an emphasis on behavior disorders from the University of North Texas.