In late 2011, the author was approached by Garry Collins, the president of ETAQ, to deliver a keynote for ETAQ for their first meeting in March 2012. The reflections presented in this article have been drawn from the transcript of that presentation. The reflections focus mainly on implementing the Australian curriculum--English. (Contains 1 note.)

Discusses the importance of having well-qualified teachers in classrooms and notes that decreasing enrollments and financial cutbacks have sometimes resulted in unqualified instructors teaching English classes. (DF)

Explains that the lack of preparation of teachers for work in rural areas, the excessive workload, and the poor working and living conditions have greatly impeded efforts of the Soviet Union to recruit and retain quality teachers in rural areas. (HOD)

Canadian university infrastructures have eroded as seen in aging equipment, deteriorating facilities, and fewer skilled personnel to maintain and operate research equipment. Research infrastructure includes administrative overhead, facilities and equipment, and research personnel including faculty, technicians, and students. The biggest erosion of…

Urges seeking different sources for obtaining funds for Soviet teacher salaries. Suggests that the state fund basic curriculum with help of national/ethnic associations, parents, and concerned organizations that fund other aspects of teachers' work. Argues that raising teachers' salaries and decreasing workload to resemble average citizen's will…

Criticizes Alexsandr Nikitenko's proposal for raising Soviet teacher salaries as taking from some to give to others. Argues that basing salaries on someone else's evaluation of a teacher's work will not enhance the teaching profession's prestige. Insists that good teachers work harder because of love for their work, not because of money. (DK)