In satirical verse the author affirms the value of merit pay proposals and laments the lack of action on such proposals that has resulted from indecisiveness concerning criteria for merit pay implementation. (JBM)

This brief issue paper offers an overview of the key issues involved in the pay-for-performance plan, as it applies to compensating teachers. Paying teachers on the basis of performance, as a way to improve the quality of teaching, has gained support in recent years. This paper examines the practice through five leading pay-for-performance models.…

Most school districts expect and accept failure from substitute teachers. Current policies result in little or no student learning in classes taught by minimally qualified substitute teachers who receive low pay and scant recognition. Problems substitute teachers face and steps that might improve their situation are discussed. (PP)

Through an exchange of letters, a veteran public school teacher advises a doubting beginning teacher (her former student) to remain in the classroom. The letters reveal both women's innermost thoughts about the difficult, demanding, and rewarding profession of teaching. (SM)

Although the continuity of faculty is an important factor in sustaining an institution's general education program, if the measure is attainment of learning outcomes, qualitative considerations, and not a faculty member's employment status, are more important in determining who should teach such courses. This author argues that relatively junior,…

This report attempts to summarize recent attitudes toward and developments in tenure-related issues in American higher education. Modern academic tenure rests on the principles of academic freedom and economic security. Currently, public perceptions of the notion of tenure are often quite negative, with some critics charging that educators have…

This document, published by WCOTP in 1986 in observance of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, was jointly prepared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and adopted by a special intergovernmental…

Issues concerning an aging faculty are discussed, including faculty vitality and quality in an era of institutional constraints and limited career opportunities, restricted mobility of faculty between institutions, and limited recruitment of young faculty. Perspectives of the faculty and their institutions about these issues are outlined, and…

Examines the employment potential of re-entry and non-entry teachers and argues that they should be considered seriously. (HOD)

A skeptical review of recent congressional task force recommendations for public school teachers, which include only a limited endorsement of merit pay and strong encouragement for sabbatical leave for teachers to study and travel abroad. (JBM)

Eight reasons are given against the use of merit pay for university faculty. The introduction of salary schedules is suggested to eliminate the debates and inequities of merit evaluations. (FG)

Discusses how former public school teachers return to the classroom. Statistics show 55 percent of new public school hires are re-entrants. Many find it easy to leave but tough to return to teaching and must seek work outside their state or in private schools. Keeping certification current helps. (SM)

Argues that the obstacle to the revitalization of civic education in academic political science is the view that research and publication deliver professional advancement and recognition while engaging in civic education does not. Reviews the reflections of several American Political Science Association (APSA) committees on instruction. Provides…

Analyzes the recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision in "Scotch Plains" regarding binding arbitration procedures in collective bargaining agreements to settle disputes over the withholding of salary increments. Discusses the events leading up to the case and comments on possible future directions for such cases. (54 footnotes) (MLF)

This essay discusses the concerns of college students and graduates regarding the teaching profession, and reviews the experiences of a former teacher who is now a university professor of education. The problem of credit transfer between community college and university programs is examined, along with the job market for new teachers. Prospective…