To provide a course of practical guidance for teachers in creating an environment that promotes positive self-esteem in students is the stated goal of this book. Chapters 1 through 3 explore the way in which self-esteem affects people and how teachers can assess the levels of students' self-esteem. Topics discussed include how self-esteem influences behavior and indications of high and low self-esteem. Chapters 4 through 14 describe in detail the vital ingredients of self-esteem and offer examples and exercises for teachers, students, and parents. Chapter 4 discusses physical safety, including discussion of safety in school and at home. Chapters 5 and 6 discuss emotional security, focusing on how to help students feel worthy and how to deal with students' fears and insecurities. Chapters 7 and 8 focus on identity and a student's search for self. Chapters 9 and 10 discuss affiliation and belonging. Chatper 11 is concerned with competence and helping students to feel capable. Chapter 12 again focuses on competence, emphasizing how to help parents understand their child's world of work. Chapte 13 discusses the feeling of mission, and suggets ways of helping students to develop a sense of purpose. Chapters 14 and 15 suggest ways to integrate self-esteem improvement with the teacher's individual teaching philosophy. Resources and suggested readings are listed, as well as organizations which provide assistance. (ABL)