A questionnaire survey of beginning and new-to-district teachers in a large school district studied use of self-selected mentors. Teachers indicated they did self-select mentors, generally from the same area or grade level. Most needed mentors to provide information on policy and procedures. All perceived the experience as valuable. (SM)

Offers a critical distinction between scholarship and research. Notes how George Vaughan urges community colleges to support and reward scholarship. Comments that excellence in teaching and therefore excellence in learning happen only when faculty and staff are engaged in their fields and supported in their daily work. (SG)

The first state laws concerning public employees in general were passed as early as 1959. The first law covering postsecondary teaching personnel was the 1965 Michigan law. Twenty states currently have some form of formal statute that covers employees in postsecondary institutions. However, in several states the provisions do not cover teaching…

The federal legislative policies, new business items, and resolutions of the National Education Association adopted at the 99th Congress are presented in this article. (DF)

A teacher questions the motivations of teacher unions, which appear to be more interested in image-making, public relations, and politics than in teacher improvement and individual teachers' rights, attitudes, and problems. (CJ)

Presents information involving workshops for science teachers on strategies for reducing stress and techniques for problem solving, which utilize the Direct Action to Risk Enrichment chart to investigate possible sources, reactions, and coping mechanisms of stress.

The story of how a school closing affected the school's teachers is recounted. (LH)

This booklet is both a review of some of the key legislative accomplishments of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) since 1975 and a synopsis of its proposed legislative program for 1980. The legislative goals of the National Education Association (NEA) are also described. (Author/SJL)

Reports results of a questionnaire study designed to obtain information about how businessmen, public officials, industrial workers, administrators, and teachers feel about teacher salaries and tenure, methods of financing public schools, and school fund-raising projects. (JD)

Reasons for teachers' professional and personal disillusionment are explored, and some possible solutions are offered. (LH)

Suggestions are given for promoting the growth of teachers as professional by providing time for reflection and a support network of in-service education. (MP)

Education bargaining in the future is unlikely to be marked by the absence of conflict or by the declining use of power tactics, but by an increased capacity for cooperation and a more sophisticated use of power that is inherent in the structure of educational systems. (IAH)

Presents an interview with the chairperson of a regional committee of the Soviet teachers' trade union. Includes comments on the role of the trade union during perestroika, the development of union independence from the government, and an experimental program replacing some city committees with councils of trade union committee chairpersons. (DK)

Student teaching experience is important in the professional preparation of teachers. Successful teaching practice hinges on the effectiveness of cooperating teachers (CTs) who spend considerable time supervising and mentoring student teachers. Unfortunately, the welfare of the cooperating teachers is often neglected, and this is detrimental to…

Describes the symptoms of teacher burnout and suggests ways to combat it. Argues that communities and school districts must endeavor to provide teachers with an environment that promotes the desire to remain in teaching. (FL)