Presents an interview with the chairperson of a regional committee of the Soviet teachers' trade union. Includes comments on the role of the trade union during perestroika, the development of union independence from the government, and an experimental program replacing some city committees with councils of trade union committee chairpersons. (DK)

Offers editorial opinion and excerpts from letters discussing pension requirements for teachers in the Soviet Union. Criticizes the policy of requiring teachers to put in a strictly enforced number of years of service to become eligible to receive a pension. (DK)

Discusses a perceived lack of concern for retired teachers among former students and the community at large. Provides examples and excerpts from letters describing loneliness and financial difficulties among retired teachers in the Soviet Union. Urges respect and concern for those who have given everything for their profession, often at the…

Criticizes Alexsandr Nikitenko's proposal for raising Soviet teacher salaries as taking from some to give to others. Argues that basing salaries on someone else's evaluation of a teacher's work will not enhance the teaching profession's prestige. Insists that good teachers work harder because of love for their work, not because of money. (DK)