Books by Jensen

Mary Jensen is a professor in the Department of Special Education at Western Illinois University (WIU). She teaches classes in the area of behavioral disorders and behavior management for undergraduate and graduate education majors and others who plan to work with youth and adolescents in a professional capacity. Dr. Jensen was the 1994 recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for the College of Education at WIU as well as 1995 and 1996 Faculty Excellence Awards. Her main areas of research interest and expertise are proactive and positive management strategies for students who are aggressive and noncompliant and youth gangs. Before teaching at the university level, Dr. Jensen taught students with learning and behavioral disorders for 10 years in the public schools and in residential treatment. Today, she actively collaborates on practical research projects with classroom teachers and all of their students. Her interest in youth gangs and management strategies developed as educators and parents voiced a need for practical management strategies to apply at school, in the community, and at home. Dr. Jensen makes a variety of presentations at conferences, school in-services, and workshops on proactive behavior management strategies, management of aggressive and/or hostile behaviors, crisis intervention, and many types of behavioral disorders, including youth gangs. Dr. Jensen also coauthored Gangs: Straight Tally Straight Up, published by Sopris West. This book provides practical information to educators, parents, and other professionals who work with youth and adolescents about youth gang characteristics, proactive management strategies, and crisis intervention planning.