Book excerpt: "The challenges we face today in special education require highly-qualified, reflective practitioners who use research-based strategies in the classroom and who are excited about the success and future of our children. If you are interested in the profession of teaching, whether in the general or special education classroom, then this is the book for you. Engaging and insightful, Special Education for Today's Teachers: An Introduction not only provides a solid foundation for being a teacher in today's diverse classroom, but helps you to truthfully answer the question, "Are you prepared to serve and teach all students?" Features include: A strong focus on professionalism, instructional application, and reflection throughout the text and on the DVD-ROM that accompanies the text. Access to Merrill's Teacher Preparation Website (www.prenhal.com/teacherprep) included inside every new copy of the text. Connections are made throughout the text to this website. A FOCUS ON PROFESSIONALISM My Profession, My Story vignettes highlight teachers, their life experiences, dispositions, and attitudes, and how all of these factors relate to daily teaching practice and the profession. Site Visit: Effective Practices in Action features highlight programs in which educators are engaging in effective research-based practices for the classroom. Chapter 16: Continuing a Special Education Career: Collaboration, Professionalism,and Professional Development. Addresses the CEC Knowledge and Skill Standards, CEC Code of Ethics, and PRAXIS Standards. A FOCUS ON INSTRUCTIONAL APPLICATION Highly Effective Instructional Strategies features help readers to understand the steps necessary to incorporate effective strategies into their teaching. Can You Help Me With This Student? features present a scenario or case study where a teacher is facing a difficult or challenging situation and show how this challenge could be resolved. Technology for Access features are integrated throughout the text. Chapter 5: Teaching, Learning, and Behavior Management. A FOCUS ON REFLECTION Chapter 1: Teaching Students with Special Educational Needs: Finding Your Role Reflective Exercises margin notes engage readers through thought-provoking questions that extend the content of the narrative. Reflect Upon focus questions are found at the beginning of each chapter." -- Publisher.