This issue of CPRE Policy Briefs summarizes the findings on issues related to teacher quality in the chapter by the author in the book, "The State of Education Policy Research" (Cohen, Fuhrman, Mosher, Eds., 2007). This report also draws on discussions that took place during a summer, 2006, policy briefing on teacher labor-market issues…

Who should be accountable for what beginning teachers need to know? This article first explains and illustrates three sets of knowledge and skills beginning teachers should have acquired in their preparation programs: academic knowledge needed for teaching the field of their license, generic professional knowledge and skills needed for teaching…

Examines problems faced by first year teachers, focusing on the shortage of well-qualified minority group beginning teachers. Recommendations for inducting and retaining an ethnically diverse teaching force are offered, emphasizing the roles of public school educators, university personnel, state legislators and agencies, and advocacy and…

Discusses the problems encountered by entry-level teachers as they lose contact with the university and its support systems. Examines entry-level teacher preparation, advocating extensive supervised microteaching prior to the extended student-teaching semester. Proposes that master teachers serve as models, supervisors, and advisors to beginning…

Common sense cannot and must not serve as the basis for professional practice. It is an inadequate approach to understanding the workings of the school bureaucracy and counterproductive in efforts to foster student learning. The great challenge to teacher educators is not to miss present opportunities to upgrade teacher education. (MT)

Teachers just out of college need the help of their principals in adjusting to their new roles. This article discusses six difficulties that often face new teachers and suggests eight long-term orientation techniques that have proved successful. (PGD)

An early childhood education professor humorously recalls his first day observing 3 year-olds as part of his university practicum. Intimidated by the sight of 15 lively youngsters roaming about, he manages okay, but injures a child when helping with a zipper. Saved by Bactine and Dumbo Band-Aids, he nonetheless worries about the accident report!…

Examines the reading habits of middle school and high school students, presenting two case studies conducted by two new teachers. Shows that students read more than they are generally believed to read but their reading interests are not often tapped in school. (TB)

Explores whether graduate education adequately prepares doctoral students for the varied responsibilities of the professoriate they plan to enter, and what role other kinds of institutions (such as community and liberal arts colleges) and the Preparing Future Faculty program could play in the education of graduate students for the professoriate.…

This article examines the psychic closeness/distance between teacher and student; in addition, it addresses issues of identity and intention, as they play themselves out in the realms of the unconscious and conscious and within the school. (IAH)

Discusses the importance of basing beginning teacher programs in schools where roles are structured to support induction and provide exemplary education for students. Addresses structural and political issues, human resource development, and symbolism. (RJC)

To be catalysts for school improvement and help beginning teachers adjust to their new environment, principals must include certain topics in the school's orientation program, such as knowing and accepting oneself, building self-confidence, developing positive attitudes, planning, involving students, and knowing one's colleagues. (MLH)

Describes the results of a study of how four new teachers framed and interpreted their daily concerns during their first year teaching. Examines several collective themes that emerge from discussions and interviews. Presents an episode from each teacher's classroom. Explains how the results of the research are being used to refine a teacher…

The author of EC 604 973 comments on his case study of a first-year teacher with a learning disability. These reflections focus on the emotions of the first-year subject, the use of the case study approach, and methods of assisting teachers with learning disabilities in the workplace. (JDD)

Argues for the importance of mentoring women for academic success, including tenure and promotions. Describes the difficulties faced by women trying to achieve success in the academic world. Outlines the features of successful mentoring programs for women educators. (HB)