Outlines the Mathematics and Science Relicensing Program developed by the New York City Board of Education to resolve problem of a shortage of science and math teachers in New York City schools. Working with nearby universities, teachers already working in the system are retrained. This overcomes high cost of initiating new teachers into a system…

Developmental framework identifies four phases in the knowledge and application base for teaching elementary physical education: acquiring a knowledge base; integrating subject areas within the major's knowledge base; applying knowledge; and evaluating teaching experience. The steps influence preservice teachers' teaching abilities so they…

Articulates qualities that distinguish those who teach more than competently. Describes circumstances, experiences, and structures that are likely to promote development of these qualities in early-career teachers. Identifies issues that administrators and senior faculty confront to provide such experiences for junior faculty members. (RS)

One means of understanding literature or historical events is to construct events, or go beyond the text or event. This technique enables students to use their own bodies and voices to understand the dynamics of a situation and add additional material that may not have existed at the time the event occurred. Such a practice provides opportunities…

Although research indicates that retention has little educational value for children, the retention process and rate continue to escalate. Retention consequences are devastating and pervasive. The paper discusses decisions regarding retention and notes positive alternatives (e.g., parental involvement, modifications in instructional practices and…

This article provides educators with guidelines and resources for developing professional portfolios that reflect their experiences, training, and achievements as educators. It discusses developing a portfolio, what to include in a portfolio, organizing a portfolio, the benefits of a professional portfolio, and packaging a portfolio. (Author/CR)

This book supports primary teachers' early professional development and learning, tackling key questions and concerns that new teachers might face in their early careers, such as: How will I get through the first term? When will I feel like a "real" teacher? What can I expect from my first years in teaching? Drawing on the experiences of beginning…

The exploratory interview is one field method for studying how professionals write as part of their jobs that is also an effective device for preparing composition instructors to teach technical writing. This field research method is a loosely guided discussion in which the technical communicator ranges freely, widely, and in depth about personal…

Provides information and suggestions for potential candidates in the community college job market in languages and literature. Discusses the mission of community colleges and characteristics of their students; teaching opportunities and experiences in community colleges; reasons to teach in a community college; applying for a position; faculty…

Describes the interactions among 4-year olds engaged in outdoor play at a preschool, where overnight rains filled the center's sand area and students improvised activities in the wet sand. Notes how, during the discovery exercise, students worked together as teams. Concludes that the measure of quality in early childhood programs must not be…

Intended for teachers in communications and the language arts who are contemplating alternatives to teaching, this booklet provides a basic approach to communication consulting with fundamental definitions and practical guides to basic consulting principles. The first section of the booklet briefly discusses approaches to consulting and sources of…

The author argues that, in many ways, the student teaching experience may not adequately prepare novice music teachers for their first professional assignments. He suggests changes in student teacher placement procedures, advocates formal assistance for first-year teachers, and lists seven tips for beginning teachers. (SJL)

Presents the experiences of three preservice special educators who applied the research on reciprocal teaching with elementary school children with learning and behavioral disabilities. The problems encountered, the adaptations, and perceptions of student progress are summarized in three separate accounts. Suggestions are provided for successful…

Most secondary schools are organized around subject area departments. The article presents a rationale for comparing teachers and departments of different subject matters, identifying features that should affect teachers' work and exploring possible differences among teachers associated with teaching different subjects. (SM)

This booklet discusses what teachers may encounter in their first year of teaching, presenting information from teachers themselves. Information comes mainly from a series of discussions held among winners of the First Class Teachers Award sponsored every year by Sallie Mae, a corporation dedicated to education. Focus group discussions with…