What are the behaviors or actions that teachers take to create high quality original curricula and programs for their students? The authors have searched out the most creative and adventurous teachers they could find and have weaved their real-life stories into the text. The text shows how teachers can inspire their students while still meeting the federal, state, and local guidelines and testing standards required in today's classrooms. Chapter One begins with a new, updated Reflected Action in Teaching Model designed for teachers who are planning with standards in mind. Each chapter then begins with a new case of how a teacher has tackled a problem in this standards-based environment applying this model. Both hands-on and practical, the text also addresses how to incorporate technology in the classroom, empowering students to resolve conflicts, and preventing bullying. The real-life examples will encourage new teachers to be as reflective, creative, and independent as possible in today's teaching world.