Discussed in this article are the respective shortcomings and advantages of tenure laws. A merit point system is suggested as an alternative whereby educators would be held accountable for what they do and at the same time would be afforded equitable job security. (Author/EB)

Provides advice on how to look for the right teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) program and suggests the kind of questions to ask to ensure the program offers good training as well as the right qualifications for getting a job. (Author/VWL)

The 2006 Education Act provided an entitlement for all 14 year-olds to take a specialist diploma from 2013. Despite concerns of many educationalists and politicians, the first diplomas will begin in September 2008. New Labour claims that the diplomas are innovative and challenging; however, this article argues that they exhibit many of the…

Predicated on the fact that the National Teacher Examination (NTE) is a sociocultural artifact, this paper emphasizes teacher education curricula as a basis for the NTE. The focus is on the social dynamics of the classroom, which is a complex set of interactions far richer than the particularistic bits of information tested by the NTE. Proponents…

Reviews contributions of National Vocational Qualifications in Child Care and Education to early childhood workers. Argues that whether or not introduction of the qualifications is seen as an advance depends on whether the focus is on improving the training of currently unqualified workers or on the need to develop a new graduate-level education…

Discusses the backgrounds and qualifications appropriate for a library personnel administrator, including (1) a master's degree in library science; (2) library work experience; (3) additional training in administration, personnel management, organizational development, and psychology; and (4) personal attributes such as good communication skills,…

Examines two interpretations of the purpose of licensure examinations: (1) as predictors of future professional performance, and (2) as measures of critical abilities. Holds that is is difficult to accurately predict professional performance, and, therefore, that licensure exams should be seen primarily as evaluations of certain abilities related…

Focusing on entrepreneurship, this article describes the nature of small businesses, opportunities, preparation, and qualifications needed by a small business owner. A case history is included. (CT)

The men and women who work as funeral directors take great pride in the fact that they provide efficient and appropriate services that give comfort to their customers. The job requires tact, discretion, and compassion when dealing with grieving people. (JOW)

Describes sales engineers--also called manufacturers' agents, sales representatives, or technical sales support workers--who work with customers and the production department to help design or modify products to meet customers' needs. Includes information about earnings, education and training, job outlook, and working conditions as well as…

Job security is a relatively new concept in the ancient field of teaching art. Historically artists have created, and been judged on, their own credentials--that is, their art. The master of fine-arts (M.F.A.) degree, often described as a "terminal degree," or the endpoint in an artist's formal education, has long been sufficient for artists…

Outlines the Court's reasoning in "Norwick," in which it held that aliens can be excluded from teaching positions, and suggests a model for "governmental function exception" of aliens. Available from University of Connecticut School of Law, 1800 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117. (Author/IRT)

Describes the various options open to those choosing a career in management consultancy. (JOW)

Describes the legal, ethical, and professional problems related to the private practice of rehabilitation counseling. Recommends counselor licensure as a remedy. (Author)

Four generic teaching competencies (individual pupil assessment; design, implementation, and evaluation of assessment; programing for secondary students; and functioning as members of interdisciplinary teams and teacher consultants) for teachers dealing with mildly and moderately handicapped students are discussed. Recommendations are made to…