This book provides sound suggestions for confronting the exciting new challenges of student teaching and for turning its concerns and anxieties into experiences of personal and professional growth. It draws on what student teachers themselves have shared with the authors - through personal conversations, written journals, and seminar discussions - about the meaning of their student-teaching assignments, as well as on educational and psychological research that has practical application in the classroom. Student teachers will find this book uniquely helpful in overcoming initial student-teaching difficulties, in dealing with personal feelings and issues that affect optimal functioning in the classroom, and in working with cooperating teachers and college/university supervisors. The book includes new information and ideas on cutting-edge issues including psychologically appropriate methods of discipline; multicultural education; inclusive education; cooperative education; students with special needs; sensitivity to gender, ethnic, and racial issues; relevant school laws; and collaborative relationships with parents.