Violence & Crisis Prevention

Teaching tough students can be hard, but it’s worth it. When traditional behavior plans fall short, this powerful guide offers a fresh, relationship-driven approach to helping students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Discover practical ways to de-escalate crises, rebuild trust, and reignite your passion for teaching—while creating classrooms where every student can thrive.

Justin D. Garwood, PhD, is a professor of special education at the University of Vermont (UVM). He is a former secondary English teacher and K–12 special education teacher. At UVM, he teaches courses on behavior management, emotional and behavioral disorders, and statistics.

Christopher L. Van Loan, PhD, is a professor of special education at Appalachian State University. His professional focus centers on fostering strong teacher-student relationships, promoting trauma-informed classroom practices, and improving supports for students with significant behavioral needs.