Decries the promotion of euphemism in teachers' communications with parents. States that true professionalism requires teachers to present problems with students in straightforward language. (MM)

A fictionalized account of one teacher's frustrating encounter with a student. (DD)

Discusses four books that can capture the interest and touch the lives of teenage wrestlers. Asserts that, if teachers understand the wrestler's predicament, they can become part of a supportive network actively showing support for a student-athlete's goals, desires, and interests. (PRA)

A letter from an eighth grade teacher describing the problems students face. (DD)

Presents an essay describing the rude misbehavior of two sets of high school students in two distinct cultures: white prep school boys whose transgressions are written off as harmless, and urban African-American and Asian-American students whose off-putting behavior gets no such exemption. Suggests that this misbehavior and the reaction to it turn…

Middle school and junior high school students are caught "in between" in terms of their emotional, physical, psychological, and educational development. Paradoxically, with so many common problems, these students need to be treated as special and unique--as individuals. (RL)

Shows the unexpected consequences of being a part-time guidance counselor and a part-time English teacher at the same time. Shares two experiences, in literature and in composition, that show a greater understanding of students' reactions. (EL)