This book discusses personal safety issues of concern to teachers, offers common sense rules, and provides information about crime and violence. Chapter 1, "Recognizing the Problem," discusses characteristics of violent schools, myths about school crime, teachers' right to know, denial and under-reporting, and discovering problem sources. Chapter 2, "Preparing for the Inevitable: How Teachers Can Help," covers crisis management, planning, school and classroom discipline, and other schoolwide considerations. Chapter 3, "Ongoing Safety Efforts: What Teachers Can Suggest," covers elements of crime, technology, school policies, school board mandates, and professional assistance. Chapter 4, "The Troublemakers: What Teachers Need to Know," covers gangs, substance abusers, ritualistic groups, and vigilantes. Chapter 5, "Teachers' Liability and Rights," looks at risk of lawsuits and rights to pursue litigation. Chapter 6, "Avoiding Your Own Victimization," includes victim profiles, personal security programs, four stages of every crime, and other details. Chapter 7, "Becoming a Successful Victim," treats rape avoidance, robbery, and larceny. Chapter 8, "Emotional Survival," addresses decompression after a crime, coping with stress, and building a support system. Contains 41 references. (JB)