Teachers are natural problem solvers, and they should be using this quality to their advantage when it comes to solving the systemic issues that plague Philadelphia's education system. Many of the articles in this issue have already gone into great detail about what is happening in Philadelphia. Torch Lytle has provided a summary of the recent…

The sense of calling that compels educators to persist through difficult times and cope with stressful situations, also puts educators at risk for burning out. In order to fight potential burnout, both schools and individual teachers must attend to the issue. Schools must develop themselves as supportive work environments and educators must be…

Recounts several comically stressful situations commonly encountered by high school English teachers. (MM)

Surveys several philosophies and methods available to teachers for combating discipline problems. Summarizes types of disciplinary problems and explores reasons for teacher confusion and frustration when choosing a classroom management technique. (LFL)

In the days before computers, passing on information to substitutes was difficult. Now teachers can individualize their lesson plans to guarantee that substitute teachers and the students will both have a good day. This article provides some plan-ahead procedures that have worked for the author.

Based on experience teaching media studies in two maximum security institutions in the Midwest, the author describes difficulties teaching in the restrictive environment of prison and ways the challenge can be met. (PD)

Explains how a student volunteer can improve teachers' productivity, efficiency, and teaching skills. Presents a description of job responsibilities.(EL)

Addresses the problem of bureaucratic control over what is taught and how in the classroom. Suggests that only by allowing classroom teachers to be part of curriculum decisions will public schools promote the growth of academic freedom and creative thinking. Argues that quality teaching is more important than political safety or obedient teachers.…

Addresses the changing atmosphere of the classroom, and how teacher training should prepare future music teachers. Discusses increasing diversity among students, goals for the music education profession, and requirements and qualifications of those entering the teaching profession. Suggests that a new concept of music preparation for the classroom…

Paradoxically, although major forces in society are pushing for improvement in the American educational system, many teachers experience job overload, isolation, and increasing despair. This book is the first in a trilogy designed to help teachers and principals fight for fundamentally positive changes that will benefit themselves and their…

Control over content, teaching, and evaluation of social studies is moving outside of the classroom. Organized action is needed to see that teachers do not lose their autonomy. (RM)

Recounts the problems encountered over a period of time in dealing with a particularly difficult and unruly class, and finds that the writing process helped to close the gap between teacher expectations and student apathy. (NKA)

Teachers must play a central role in attempts to reform public education. Teachers are losing control over their work. They must organize, defend schools as institutions essential to maintaining a democracy, and portray themselves as transformative intellectuals who combine scholarly reflection and practice to train students to be responsible…

Teachers, in cooperation with parents and industry, are the key to revitalizing public schools. Giving technology-based education a central place in the planning process is an important dimension of school reform. (MLF)

Underlying barriers to adjunct faculty forming effective communities are time and distance; they spend little time on campus, and there is distance, physically and psychologically, from their peers. There can be no hope of challenging and changing the system without the organizing and focusing of energies. Lessons can be learned from big business.…