This checklist is intended for beginning teachers, transfer teachers, school administrators, mentors, teacher educators, and student teachers. Seven sections focus on "Getting Acquainted" (instructional resources; community facilities and resources; the school district; school rules, procedures, and policies; school personnel, services,…

This checklist for beginning teachers is based on information gathered from surveys of school administrators which asked them to discuss common difficulties experienced by beginning teachers. Four sections focus on: "Becoming a Professional" (applying for a job, the cover letter, the resume, the interview, frequently asked interview…

Twenty to 30 percent of new teachers leave their field within the first 3 years; 9.3 percent don't even make it through their first full year; and after 5 years, roughly 50 percent of beginners have left teaching. Reasons for leaving include pursuit of a more personally appropriate career, low pay, the desire to raise one's own children, and…

Describes how to deal with censorship by preparing a position on the National Council of Teachers of English publication, "The Student's Right to Read"; preparing a position on what is to be taught; investigating the policies of the school; and identifying sources of help. (DD)

Considers three aspects of support offered by principals and reading supervisors to beginning teachers: instructional models, instructional materials, and mentoring. Argues that providing support for beginning teachers (particularly those using literature-based instruction) should not be left to chance but requires conscious effort and planning.…

This review of several studies on perceptions of new, untenured college faculty identifies major stresses including not enough time; inadequate feedback and recognition; unrealistic expectations; lack of collegiality; and difficulty in balancing work and life outside of work. Ten coping strategies (such as setting priorities) are also identified.…

This paper describes five maxims for an effective faculty mentoring program developed at Western Carolina University (North Carolina) designed to increase retention of new faculty. The first maxim, "ask what the program will do for the school," emphasizes that a program should not be undertaken until this question has been specifically…

A conference presentation on the recruitment, selection, and orientation of school employees are highlighted in this paper. Part 1 describes organizing strategies for recruitment and selection, such as defining administrative roles, assessing current practices, and scheduling. Practices for attracting capable teacher candidates are presented in…

Over the years changes have taken place both in the information and organizations with which teachers and prospective teachers should be familiar. This bulletin with up-to-date information is designed to help those seeking certification to teach social studies in Indiana and those interested in education. Some of the topics covered feature areas…

The primary features of the Richardson Independent School District's (Richardson, Texas) New Teacher Induction Program are: (1) a "New Teacher Inservice Day" specifically designed to meet the needs of entry-level teachers; (2) a weekly meeting between beginning teachers and the building principal; and (3) professional seminars throughout…

Twenty-eight third grade teachers were observed by a team from the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University of Texas in order to identify discipline and teaching strategies most conducive to the establishment of a successful student-teacher relationship. This package is the result. Ideas and suggestions designed to…

The compilation of an audiovisual portfolio illustrating teaching skills and competencies is one method by which minority group teachers can gain an advantage in an increasingly restricted job market. There are four media components that should be considered: a student teaching notebook and a slide narrative program highlighting the job…

Another new title addressing the issue of teacher retention, this practical guide is full of "real-life" strategies and suggestions for coping with the challenges facing teachers today. An excellent resource for beginning teachers, it includes chapters on classroom management, relationships with colleagues and students, setting goals, curriculum,…

This book is designed to give new teachers the tools they need to follow their best instincts about what to do in their own classrooms. It also strives to assist experienced teachers who are on the edge of burnout in remembering what made them want to teach in the first place. The suggestions are designed to help teachers focus on why they…

This article identifies junior faculty needs and links these to roles that department chairpersons can assume, including that of a resource link; a mentor; a facilitator of mentor relationships; an institutional authority or representative; an evaluator; a faculty developer; and a model of balance. Specific suggestions for assisting with tangible…