Tough But Worth It

Strategies to build stronger teacher-student relationships

The most powerful classroom tool isn’t a program; it’s educators like you. Authors Christopher L. Van Loan and Justin D. Garwood show teachers how to shift from managing behavior to transforming and building genuine, high-quality relationships through reflection, self-awareness, and connection. Learn how to calm crises, rebuild trust, and rekindle your purpose by changing the way you see yourself and your students.

K–12 teachers and administrators can use this book to:

• Model calm, constructive responses that help students navigate emotional and behavioral challenges
• Approach struggling students from a place of empathy, strength, and encouragement
• Identify the roots of conflict and de-escalate tension before it turns into a crisis
• Integrate emotional and behavioral learning seamlessly with academic instruction
• Discover collaboration methods for working with fellow teachers