After 25 years as a superintendent, the author decided to teach a high school ethics course on a 6-month sabbatical leave. Teaching three classes invigorated his thinking and reminded him how demanding teaching is. The district did not suffer, as a bond issue passed by a large majority and the administrative cabinet assumed more responsibility and…

What can Montessorians learn from teaching in a war-torn country, and what can they hope to share with others in the process? These questions were much on the author's mind when she went to Sri Lanka in the summer of 2003. This article contains excerpts from e-mails the author sent home, chronicling her experience teaching two high school English…

Argues that theater instructors must also be artistic directors. Relates one instructor's experiences in taking over the acting and directing program at the Los Angeles High School of the Performing Arts and how his changing attitudes were reflected in his restructuring of the program. (PA)

Contains recollections of one teacher's experiences with and observations of teacher J. C. Tressler. Praises Tressler's contribution to the teaching of English. (JD)

A qualitative case study was designed to explore the work experience of six high school English teachers. Teachers were observed over a five month period. No formal, systematic rating scale or observation instruments were used; the observer relied upon his experience as a high school teacher and on specialized training in curriculum theory and…

This article describes an experience the author had in July. He was the guest of honor at the fortieth class reunion of the 1965 graduating class of Shawnee Mission West High in Overland Park, Kansas, where he taught. These "kids," many of whom were in the band or orchestra, are now fifty-eight years old! Some had already retired but…

Outdoor education offers opportunities for learning in physical education and ecology that transfer to daily life. Brief impressions profile the author's perceptions and experiences during a high school canoe trip with 11 teenagers. (KS)

For teachers, demonstrating that the classroom is a safe environment for all students, and that respect is expected at all times, is vital. For these two things to occur, open lines of communication between the teacher and students are key. While preparing lesson plans as a first year graduate teaching assistant in composition, an instructor…

A non-Indian teacher at a Navajo Reservation high school relates his experiences using American Indian literature to convey to students some of the unspoken truths of American Indian history; and muses on the nature of truth and the etymological origins of the word "truth" in the word "tree." (SV)

Reflects on the author's experiences teaching a course on great documents in American history to high school students, concentrating on teaching the Declaration of Independence and the "Federalist Papers." Countering the students' tendencies toward superficial reading and encouraging deep analysis are the teacher's primary goals. (SLD)

Beginning teachers are often given teaching assignments that would challenge even the most skillful veteran teachers. Such assignments can take several forms: teaching in a subject area for which the teacher is not certified; having too many class preparations; "floating" from classroom to classroom; working with low-ability, unmotivated, or…

Two teachers discuss their experiences implementing Foxfire practices in an alternative high school. One teacher was apprehensive about changing from the "traditional" approach to "student-initiated learning." The other teacher also experienced moments of doubt, but both teachers realized the benefits of the Foxfire approach…

A Montana teacher in a very small high school describes how SIMMS Integrated Mathematics has helped students to develop better problem-solving skills and better oral and written communication skills, has contributed to increased student enrollment in a fourth year of high school mathematics, and has taught students to use technology tools in…

A high school teacher relates how three of her students taught her about the inadequacies of conventional education, specifically social inequities, a narrow assessment system, and the lack of educational options. Describes programs, based on the Foxfire approach, that address these inadequacies at her high school. (LP)

A high-school English teacher deplores barking-media sound bites of politicians pretending to resolve complex educational problems with one-dimensional "solutions." Highlighting specific classroom learning situations, he ponders three paradoxes: justice is not necessarily fair; freedom comes with limits; and clarity comes through…