This article illustrates the efforts of educators in North Carolina to advocate for the social studies in an age of high-stakes assessment and tight budgets. Although this story begins with one state, the marginalization of social studies in elementary schools is a nationwide problem. The federal No Child Left Behind law (NCLB) is due for…

Addresses problems part-timers face and offers solutions. (PD)

Outlines the package of special incentives the teacher recruitment program in Prince George County (MD) Schools was able to develop with the assistance of the Advisory Council for Business and Industry in the county. (MD)

Presents tools to help schools determine whether they need to independently and continuously diagnose school culture issues and whether they need an in-depth analysis for the extensive development of a strong and healthy school culture. The school culture audit includes self-assessment via interviews, observations, surveys, evaluation, and…

The physical environment of the learning disabilities classroom is an important factor in shaping student attitudes toward learning and toward themselves. Five dimensions to consider in analyzing a classroom include visual signs, auditory messages, kinesthetic input, tactile input, and awareness of time (i.e., seasons, current events, and student…

Suggests that schools need clear structures and strong, professional cultures to foster teacher learning, describing school culture, positive versus toxic cultures, and staff development. The paper highlights two schools with positive cultures and describes how principals and school leaders shape school culture by reading the culture,…

Ways in which parent teacher associations can help teachers create a favorable learning environment and improve teachers' working and living conditions include: fostering parent involvement; integrating in-school and out-of-school activities; supporting efforts to upgrade teachers' salaries; and welcoming teachers into the community.

The classroom teacher often does not receive necessary positive reinforcement, which tends to lead to low self-esteem. Tips for helping the teacher become more self-aware and more self-confident are offered. (DF)

Considers causes for stress and burnout in the reading teacher's profession. Suggests ways for reading teachers to reduce stress. Identifies two categories of problems: (1) work overload, excessive paperwork, and repetitive tasks; and (2) isolation from other teaching which leads to loneliness. (KEH)

Urges language arts teachers to consider and follow the statements on teacher workload issued by the National Council of Teachers of English. Suggests ways in which individual teachers can improve their profession. (JT)

Notes that emotion in the workplace has become an issue of importance to organizational and management scholars. Examines the experience of teaching in the days following the Texas A&M University "bonfire" collapse using autoethnographic and interview methods. Considers the intense experience of emotions and the struggle to balance…

During induction, beginning physical education teachers assume new roles and responsibilities and must deal with a number of problems common to their workplace (wash-out, reality shock, isolation, marginalization, workload and role conflict, and deprofessionalization). Proactive professional development strategies for combatting these problems and…

Often, teachers are criticized or ostracized by their peers after being recognized for excellence in teaching. Many teachers are threatened by the accomplishments of others. Sometimes, teachers avoid ostracism by limiting or eliminating their leadership roles. The only way to eliminate the leadership backlash among teaches is for school systems to…

A properly structured job-enrichment program can help motivate classroom teachers and encourage them to remain in the classroom. Offers examples of programs for enhancing the professional lives of teachers and cites pitfalls to avoid in designing a program. (MLF)

Ten tips are provided to help teachers of gifted students cope with the unique stressors that they face. Tips include making parents allies, putting grades in perspective, and setting realistic goals. Activities are presented for use as introductory "ice-breakers" or concluding activities for workshops for teachers and parents of gifted students.…