Jim Teagarden

An Oral History of First-Generation Leaders in Education of Children with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Part 2: Important Events, Developments, and People.

As the second part of an oral history of education of students with emotional and behavioral disorders, 15 first-generation leaders were asked about the events, policies, and people that have had the most influence on their professional lives and to identify the most positive and most negative influences. Their videotaped responses to these questions were transcribed and analyzed and are reported here together with discussion of several themes that emerged. Among the most cited positive influences were passage of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (precursor to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) in 1975, development and application of behavioral approaches, contributions of talented people, and involvement in professional organizations and activities in the field. The most often identified negative influences were the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, zero-tolerance policies, inadequate federal definitions of serious emotional disturbance, isolation from other disciplines with potentially relevant knowledge and practices, and resistance to prevention and early intervention approaches.

A Good Time A Conversation With C. Michael Nelson

C. Michael Nelson began his special education career as a teacher of adolescents with learning and behavior disorders. He has worked as a child psychologist and as a professor with the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Kentucky. He coordinated the graduate Personnel Preparation Program for Teachers of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities. Dr. Nelson has authored or edited over 100 professional publications. He has prepared teachers of children and youth with behavior disorders at the pre- and in-service levels and has served as principal investigator on a number of research and personnel preparation grants. He has served as president of the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. Dr. Nelson shared with reflections and thoughts with members of the Janus Project on what he describes as a career that came at a good time.

An Oral History of First-Generation Leaders in Education of Children with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Part 3: The Future.

In this the third part of an oral history of education of students with emotional and behavioral disorders, 15 first-generation leaders were asked to forecast the future of the field and to advise persons entering the profession. Their videotaped conversations were transcribed, were analyzed, and are reported here together with some discussion of apparent themes. They forecast a mixed, and sometimes discouraging, future of the field and believe that the challenges and frustrations they encountered will continue and become even greater. Although they recognize that prevention and early intervention are the best intervention, they are not optimistic about society’s willingness to invest in policies that promote prevention. Despite the challenges, they believe that the work is important, rewarding, and even fun. They encourage people to join the profession with realistic understandings of the children, conditions, roles, and challenges they will encounter and a willingness to find and cultivate professional support.

Staying Connected A Conversation With Sheldon Braaten

Sheldon Braaten career has focused on children and youth with significant behavior and emotional challenges. His career has spanned experiences from a mental health therapist, special education teacher, school administrator, and university professor. Sheldon founded the Behavioral Institute for Children and Adolescents and initiated the International Child and Adolescent conference. He is an established author and editor in the field and was the recipient of the Howard Muscott CCBD Distinguished Service Award in 2013 from the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. Dr. Braaten shared his reflections with members of the JANUS project shortly after receiving this service award. Sheldon describes the benefit of establishing and nourishing connections for a successful and rewarding career.

The Gift of Competence: A Conversation With Michael George:

Michael George’s career has focused on children and youth with significant behavior and emotional challenge. His career has spanned experiences as a direct service provider, university professor, and teacher trainer. George has led an effort to provide competent and caring teachers to a population who greatly need such teachers. George shares his thoughts and reflections on a career marked by the call providing the gift of competence.

The Call of a Different Drummer: A Conversation with Lyndal Bullock.

Lyndal Bullock’s career has focused on children and youth with significant behavior and emotional challenges. His career has spanned experiences as a teacher, counselor, and university professor. Dr. Bullock has twice served as president of the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC). His leadership and mentorship have been recognized by many professional groups and individuals. Dr. Bullock shares his thoughts and reflections on a career marked by the call of a different drummer.

Unwrapping the Thick Coat of Armor: A Conversation With Susan Albrecht

Susan Albrecht’s career has spanned more than 40 years. During those years she has served as an English teacher, school psychologist, behavior consultant, coordinator of services, and special education faulty member. Her contributions to the field include leadership positions with the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. Susan shared her reflections on her career and her view on the challenges facing the field in the future.

The Importance of What You Leave Behind: A Conversation with Carl Smith.

Dr. Carl Smith shares his reflections on a varied career that included many different roles and responsibilities but shared a focus on children with behavior disorders. Dr. Smith also provides insight into where he believes the field is heading and offers his advice to those just entering the field. Perhaps the lasting advice to all is to focus on the importance of what you leave behind.

Tuning in to High-Fidelity Interventions A Conversation With George Sugai

George Sugai is the Carole J. Neag Endowed Chair in Behavior Disorders in the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. He previously served on the faculty at the University of Oregon and the University of Kentucky. At Connecticut, Dr. Sugai and colleagues established the Center for Behavioral Educational and Research (www.cber.org) to improve students’ academic and social behavior outcomes by studying and disseminating effective educational interventions.

Having Someone to Walk Down the Road With A Conversation With Jeffrey Sprague

Dr. Jeffrey Sprague is a professor of special education and the director of the University of Oregon Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior. He directs research and demonstration projects related to positive supports and youth violence prevention.