Unfortunately, for many mental health professionals classroom teachers and other educators are, at best, viewed primarily or solely as useful sources of information about a child, and their broader, invaluable roles as members of the "mental health team" are diminished or dismissed. This article examines the conceptual rationale and empirical support for central involvement of educators (especially classroom teachers) in effective mental health services, and in effective expanded school-based mental health programs. The importance of partnerships with educators for school-wide mental health promotion efforts, as well as for the success of primary and secondary prevention initiatives, are highlighted. Effective strategies and recommendations for enhancement of educator-mental health professional collaboration are included.