When educators face the stress and strain in the classroom brought on by disruptive and difficult students, solutions are not always readily available. In this book, a model for identifying, managing, avoiding, and rising above conflicted relationships is presented. This how-to guide blends theory and research with tangible examples gathered from personal experiences and interviews conducted with practicing teachers, counselors, school administrators, and students. Highlighted are examples of the forces that influence student behavior, strategies for dealing with and preventing difficult relationships, techniques for overcoming conflicts with parents, and resolving internal personal issues that interfere with effectiveness. (Contains 4 tables and 84 references.) (JDM)