How can we avoid the "why new teachers cry" phenomenon and the high dropout rate for beginning teachers? Start teacher preparation with an introductory foundations class that is experience based and allows students to study themselves and their preferences for teaching styles, learning styles, and classroom management by living through case…

Five myths about teachers' attitudes regarding merit pay are discussed. The first myth, "Teachers favor merit pay," contrasts with several findings from studies and surveys which indicate that teachers generally do not favor merit pay. Myth number two, "Money is a motivator--more money produces more work," is also argued against with the help of…

This study examined the effects of teacher characteristics, school conditions, teacher efficacy, external support, and remuneration on music educators' risk for attrition and migration. Data from the 1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey--a comprehensive, nationally representative survey of teachers, principals, and schools conducted by the…

A review of the 1950s teacher shortage and strategies developed to combat the problem points out the parallels of the current teacher shortage. Solutions which can be used in the current situation are discussed. (CB)

Summarizes an initial interview with a 29-year-old white woman who works as a high school teacher of English and French. The subject is seeking career counseling to help her decide between staying in her current job, exploring a new career, or furthering her education. (MKA)

In keeping with repeated calls to investigate high early career turnover within the teaching profession, the present study investigated the hypothesis that a significant positive association between burnout and turnover intention would be observed in teachers at the beginning of their careers. A sample of 112 Australian teachers working in their…

This paper describes a two-stage case study of teachers and teaching between 1830 and 1988 in Vermont, with particular attention to rural environments. The preponderance of data were in the form of diaries, letters, various types of printed records, monographs, and the transcripts of numerous interviews and conversations. The central purpose of…

Outlines concerns that cause beginning teachers to leave rural schools. Discusses components of an overall teacher recruitment strategy, benefits of living and teaching in rural areas, and possible teacher incentives. Lists teacher retention strategies based on community or social environment, staff development, support procedures, or incentives.…

Urban schools are challenged to improve teacher retention and quality. Unfortunately, research on effective teaching and attributes of effective teachers rarely has considered urban contextual influences. The purposes of the current study were (a) to develop and validate an instrument for evaluating urban teacher attributes and (b) to determine…

At the heart of good teaching is a love of learners. Literature's "Mr. Chips" illustrates the principle poignantly; his story can serve as an inspiration for teachers who would last a lifetime in the profession and refuse to "burn out." (PP)

In 2004, Edvantia, Inc. (formerly AEL) and the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) initiated an effort to identify successful strategies for recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers in rural areas. They reviewed non-rural-specific and rural-specific research and practice literature, surveyed rural superintendents…

The article discusses various aspects of overt shortage of secondary school mathematics teachers, including recruitment trends, future prospects, attitudes of potential recruits, and school-based factors that contribute to shortages. Attention is also given to how secondary school mathematics departments are organized so as to cope with the…

The article discusses secondary school mathematics teacher shortages in the United Kingdom (UK), covering the number of vacancies, recruitment efforts, and teacher persistence as well as the effects of efforts to staff mathematics classrooms. It is believed that UK classrooms will continue to experience a shortage of qualified mathematics…

This article provides educational administrators with information on how to recognize teacher burnout, the organizational conditions related to it, personal characteristics which contribute to it, and recommendations for individuals and for organizations to prevent and avoid burnout. (JL)

A research-based model of the factors that influence teacher attrition or retention is presented. Variables in four areas are discussed: (1) teacher characteristics; (2) teacher training and work experience; (3) professional and social integration; and (4) career satisfaction. The model reflects the social learning theory of career development.…