"The world needs you and I"--Cover.

Who are the teens of today, and what are their unique challenges? -- It all starts in the classroom -- What showing up looks like -- Active listening -- Education as part of the ticket to personal freedom and optimal wellness -- Is there someone in the margin you might have already "otherized"? -- The different types of mental health issues in adolescence -- The basics of social-emotional learning -- Special education -- Coping with language barriers -- Parental influence on a child's mental health -- The special circumstances: dealing with the effects of childhood and adolescent trauma, grief issues, bullied teens, and other issues -- Recognizing and intervening on adolescent drug us and abuse -- What's the definition of success among different cultures? -- Making sense of mental health and wellness strategies -- Applying greater justice for all children to succeed -- Leading by example -- What is your mission going forward? -- Testimonials.

Classrooms and schools are becoming increasingly diverse, containing students with more varied experiences. Challenges like language barriers, child abuse, poverty, and living in an increasingly dangerous world have led to a surge in mental illness among children and teens of all backgrounds. The book delves into these issues and offers specific advice on how you can tackle the real problems your students are dealing with nearly every day. As these problems interfere with the educational process, those who have them are left with increasing despair, low self-esteem, and a high risk of failing in school. Culturally-aware educators are in a unique position to have a profound effect on the educational and personal outcomes for those marginalized in the classroom because they are culturally different, mentally ill, or just "different". You will see the problems that many marginalized students must cope with and find practical ways and the inspiration to be the best educator you can be for every student.