What Teachers Say They Learned from Watching the Prevention ABCs Series:

Elementary School:

• "A great way to get students involved is to create teams. I use teams now for just about everything I do."
  
  
• "When I have a troubled student -- one who doesn’t respond when I try my best -- I’ve learned to ask myself, “If she really wanted to, what’s the best this kid has to offer?” When I look hard at each of them I can see their potential. And when I can believe it, I know they can believe it."

Middle School:

• "If I’m going to get students involved, I need to give them an opportunity to talk. There are facts I want them to know, but it is easier for them to learn when it is coming out of their own mouths."
  
  
• "Students need a safe environment to learn. They need to feel secure in order to want to participate. Part of my mission in my classroom is to make it absolutely safe for students to express their opinions. I’ve learned to start with my own behavior. No matter what the student says, I have made it a habit to respond with respect. Maybe there’s a fine line between criticism and feedback, but I always try to demonstrate respect."

High School:

• "I learned to make students active participants in class – and believe me, no one ever goes to sleep in my class."
  
  
• "I systematically involve peer leaders in positive ways and let them know that I not only recognize who they are but that I expect them to lead in positive ways. What they need from me is a little opportunity and guidance to make sure they have a positive influence."
  
  
• "It takes energy to be a good listener. But it pays real dividends in terms of how deeply my students get a feeling about what is right and wrong."