Hanging In (PDF)

Many students arrive at school with unique mixtures of family histories, traumatic experiences, and special needs that test our skills and try our patience. In Hanging In: Strategies for Teaching the Students Who Challenge Us Most, veteran educator Jeffrey Benson shows educators the value of tenacity and building connections in teaching the students who most need our help. This essential guide includesDetailed portraits based on real-life students whose serious challenges inhibited their classroom experience—and how they eventually achieved success;Strategies for how to analyze students' challenges and develop individualized plans to help them discover a sense of comfort with learning—with in-depth examples of plans in action;Recommendations for teachers and support team on how to gain skills and support and not lose hope through the ups and downs of the work; andSpecific advice for administrators on constructing systems and procedures that give all our students the best chance for success.Just as teaching the students who challenge us is among our most frustrating experiences as educators, sticking with students until they finally "get it" is among our most rewarding. In Hanging In, you'll find the inspiration and field-tested ideas necessary to create a patient and supportive environment for even the most demanding cases in the classroom.