Motivational Interviewing in Schools: Conversations to Improve Behavior and Learning

The first teacher's guide to the proven counseling approach known as motivational interviewing (MI), this pragmatic book shows how to use everyday interactions with students as powerful opportunities for change. MI comprises skills and strategies that can make brief conversations about any kind of behavioral, academic, or peer-related challenge more effective. Extensive sample dialogues bring to life the "dos and don'ts" of talking to K-12 students (and their parents) in ways that promote self-directed problem solving and personal growth. The authors include the distinguished codeveloper of MI plus two former classroom teachers. User-friendly features include learning exercises and reflection questions; additional helpful resources are available at the companion website. Written for teachers, the book will be recommended and/or used in teacher workshops by school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

This book is in the Applications of Motivational Interviewing series, edited by Stephen Rollnick, William R. Miller, and Theresa B. Moyers.

Stephen Rollnick, PhD, is Honorary Distinguished Professor in the School of Medicine at Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom. He is cofounder of motivational interviewing, with a career in clinical psychology and academia that focused on how to improve conversations about change, and helped to create the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (https://motivationalinterviewing.org). He has worked in diverse fields, with special interests in mental health and long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Rollnick has published widely in scientific journals and has written many books on helping people to change behavior. He is coauthor (with William R. Miller) of four editions of the classic work Motivational Interviewing. He has traveled worldwide to train practitioners in many settings and cultures, and he now works as a trainer and consultant in health care and sports. His website is www.stephenrollnick.com.

Sebastian G. Kaplan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section, at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. A former special education teacher, Dr. Kaplan currently focuses his clinical work on helping adolescents and their families overcome a variety of challenges to their growth and development. He has written and presented on the application of MI for pediatricians, mental health providers, and school personnel, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.

Richard Rutschman, EdD, is Senior Program Manager and Professional Development Facilitator at the Center for College Access and Success (formerly the Chicago Teachers’ Center) at Northeastern Illinois University. His professional experience in Chicago schools has included being a high school science and Spanish teacher and the principal of an alternative high school. Throughout his career, he has worked to support school improvement efforts focusing on student retention, engagement, leadership development, and preparation for postsecondary education. Dr. Rutschman is a recipient of the Michael Stratton Practitioner Award from the International Association for Experiential Education, for his work using adventure initiatives in Chicago schools, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.