Written in an approachable manner, presents future educators with foundational knowledge on a variety of student populations. The text identifies multiple "categories" into which students fall in modern education in America through the lens of a first-year teacher being interviewed by a principal with a great deal of experience with student diversity. The opening chapter initiates the teacher-principal interview and provides the framework for the text. Additional chapters discuss the characteristics teachers must possess to positively influence students and student learning, acknowledging that teachers will work with a wide range of diverse students. Readers learn about working with students living in poverty, working with students of different ethnic backgrounds, and supporting students with special needs taught in general education classrooms and taught in a variety of separate settings. Working with gifted learners and English language learners is also addressed. Closing chapters focus on creating quality learning experiences through technology and developing a better understanding of student mental health issues. Each chapter includes a Setting the Classroom Scene feature, which introduces the subject of the chapter through a short narrative. Each chapter also features pre-reading questions, a formal introduction, and periodic Pause and Reflect and Pause and Discuss questions. Concluding real-world scenarios and questions help readers better synthesize the chapter content. Engaging and enlightening, is an ideal textbook for courses and programs in education at all levels.