After 41 years of a varied and exciting career in Miami-Dade County (Florida) Public Schools, the author recently retired as a middle level principal. Although he also served as a teacher and a counselor, more than half of his career was spent as an administrator in more than a dozen schools. As he reflects on his role as a school leader and…

Provides a teaching technique for improving instruction through awareness of the personality of the learner. (MD)

Key characteristics of an effective college student leader are defined: consistency in word and action; ownership of responsibility for actions and leadership position; development of healthy relationships with friends, coworkers, mentors, and mentees; and ethical decision making. It is argued that leadership is a full-time job and that student…

This paper presents a new perspective on mentoring foreign language teachers. It suggests that mentoring is an essential part of a program manager's responsibilities, but that it is important to individualize the process of mentoring if it is to be as effective as it can be. First, a definition of mentoring and issues surrounding it are discussed.…

This article discusses characteristics of creative people (problem sensitivity, idea fluency, originality, and flexibility); the importance of managers appreciating the work styles of creative people; and seven characteristics of an organizational climate that encourages creativity. (DB)

A survey of 110 private colleges and universities elicited information about the traits presidents regarded as ideal in members of a strategic planning team. The profiles drawn closely match those of "early adopters," a personality type found effective in facilitating acceptance of innovation in nonacademic settings. (MSE)

Twenty-four characteristics of effective leaders are described as an aid in helping others become effective student activities directors. It is stated that leaders are made, not born; leadership must be learned from experience, not from a textbook; and one must build on successes and learn from mistakes. Among the characteristics of effective…

As state and federal governments and private industry begin to slow the pace of giving to institutions of higher education, the planned giving officer becomes increasingly interested in competing for the gifts given through philanthropy. A study was conducted using 3,006 questionnaires obtained from members of the Association of Planned Giving…

This paper begins by examining the changes that have occurred in school superintendency during the last 30 years, making it more collaborative and less conducive to the emergence of strong and dynamic "giants" such as Ben Willis and Harold Spears. These changes derive from changes in the general society, including a loss of confidence in…

Presents a study of students' preferences regarding teachers. Reports that students selected psychology courses taught by instructors possessing stereotypically male, female, or androgynous characteristics. Concludes that students preferred courses taught by those with "feminine" or androgynous characteristics over those possessing…

This article offers information and suggestions to administrators on dealing with cults on college campuses. Reasons why students are vulnerable to cults as well as cult recruitment techniques and ways to help students make informed choices are considered. Print, organizational, and videotape resources are identified. (DB)

Compares public and private sector recruitment behavior in Malaysia, focusing on employers' perspectives of higher education's functions. The public sector values academic records, whereas private industry seeks workers with experience and good affective skills. Both sectors want universities to produce graduates with problem-solving abilities.…

Seven personality types, and corresponding work styles, are described and ways to foster their creativity in the context of the college/university advancement office are suggested. Managers are urged to lead staff members to develop talents, allow them to do so, and help them move to the next level of achievement. (MSE)

The coordinator of several administrative searches at the State University of New York (Cortland) offers guidance to administrative job seekers. As finalists often have similar educational and professional qualifications, elements of character such as style, personality, charm, and thoughtfulness may make the crucial difference. (DB)

A college chief advancement officers describes the qualities that make a president an ally in fund raising. These qualities include vision and leadership, commitment to the campus, commitment to advancement, integrity, honesty, perseverance, patience, optimism, communication skills, energy, willingness to learn, humor, creativity, understanding of…