This document summarizes the findings of a report by the Education Commission of the States (ECS) designed to help policymakers gain a better understanding of both the nature of the teacher workforce and of promising recruitment and retention strategies. ECS reviewed 91 studies on teacher recruitment and retention in search of answers to eight…

Montana is experiencing three types of teacher shortages, each requiring different intervention strategies. These situations include shortages in specific subject areas, most notably in music, special education, and foreign languages, followed closely by guidance and library; many job openings, caused by rapid enrollment growth, a large number of…

Commenting on Donna Kerr's ideas for improving teaching (Teachers College Record, Spring 1983), Goodlad points to three factors that discourage able students from becoming teachers: (1) salary structure; (2) job dissatisfaction; and (3) lack of opportunities for promotion. Goodlad compares his own proposals for educational improvement with those…

In two studies, experienced teachers who demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to self improvement listed causes of teacher burnout, including: (1) the repetitiveness of physical education teaching; (2) additional employment; and (3) inability to cope effectively with both teaching and coaching. (JN)

The various motivations for individuals entering and remaining in the teaching profession are described. The extent of teacher commitment by sex, age, and grade level taught, and advantages and disadvantages of teaching are discussed, and factors relating to job satisfaction are explored. (JN)

The development and impact of recent actions by the University of California, the California State University, and the California Maritime Academy to enhance recruitment and retention of engineering faculty are examined. In addition, national data on engineering faculty salaries and incentives are summarized, based on 1982 findings of a California…

The article compares the burnout process among helping professionals and teachers of exceptional children. Literature relating to burnout among the helping professions is reviewed. Causes and symptoms of burnout are applied to the field of special education. (Author/PHR)

A review of the research on the shortage of special education teachers and the role of attrition leads to eight recommendations to improve special educators' work environments and increase retention. Four of these recommendations are: hire certified teachers; use salaries and bonuses as incentives to remain; develop responsive induction programs…

This review of research related to teacher retention and attrition in special education organizes research findings around a conceptual model of teachers' career decisions that includes three major factors: external, employment, and personal. The review also considers major findings from general education retention studies, and conceptual and…

This research review examines various barriers that affect the retention and attrition of special education teachers. The purpose of this examination is to look at various problems associated with maintaining and attracting new teachers to the field of education. Retention and attrition will be vital components in addressing teacher shortages in…

Through a literature review regarding teacher job satisfaction in the U.S. and in China, in terms of community factors, school factors, and teacher characteristics, this paper finds that most teachers in both countries are satisfied with their jobs, but teachers cited various factors influencing their job satisfaction. This paper makes a…

The mentoring of new teachers has proven to be an effective strategy in helping novice teachers succeed. This essay provides an overview of mentorship and suggests concrete, research-based techniques for implementing a mentorship program.

This review and critique of the literature on aging and faculty performance identifies major theoretical perspectives that run through studies on aging. Four types of aging theories are considered: biological, psychological, sociological, and social psychological. Aging effects are examined in relation to cohort and historical effects. (Author/LMO)

Recognizing the vast disparities in academic achievement throughout Arizona's public schools, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has recently started pushing for tougher standards and demanding for more school accountability. This study analyzes the ranking system implemented by the ADE that categorizes all public schools according to…

This response to a review essay on the limited presence of African American teachers suggests that the original work leaves out some issues surrounding teacher recruitment and retention and leaves some empirical work and interpretations unexamined. The examination of such "crises" in education is a promising avenue for research. (SLD)