Four highly qualified teachers and 21 students classified with emotional and behavior disorders (EBD) participated in an investigation of teacher effectiveness. Data collection included: video of teaching behaviors, interviews with teachers, and student surveys. The student survey identified characteristics of teacher effectiveness in general and of their teachers specifically. Results reinforced a framework of effective teaching behaviors: personal resources, teacher performance and teacher effectiveness. A significant correlation (p<0.01, N = 14) was found between desired teacher behaviors and behaviors students perceived in their own teachers. Implications for inclusion of effective teaching behaviors in teacher preparation programs are discussed.