Yuli Rahmawati's paper presents an auto-ethnographic inquiry into her lived experiences as a science teacher in different countries. Through her reflections and analysis of events, Yuli captures and builds a model of her identity and explores the influence of inter- and intra-cultural perspectives in shaping how she recognizes herself and brings…

In this essay, the authors argue that only by sharing their mistakes and uncertainty can they fully reflect on their own process as teachers, only by understanding their process can they begin to identify the many factors that contribute to classroom messes in the first place, and only by acknowledging the perpetual messiness of their practice can…

Elaborates reasons traditional teacher education does not meet urban needs. Presents criteria for effective preparation of urban teachers in terms of candidate selection, faculty expertise, content, coaching, and evaluation. (SK)

Although American cities have changed and, many feel, declined, they remain important resources for educating. The life and architecture of the cities hold lessons for students from grade school to college. Using the city at hand, the teacher can help to create a new breed of informed, active urban citizens. (KH)

Urban environmental education focuses on more than the natural environment. The built and social/political/ economic environments also demand constant observation, analysis, and evaluation. Educators should use urban-oriented professionals as sources of information and help. (BW)

Because of its importance in teacher preparation, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), has a major part to play in enhancing and strengthening the educational opportunities and performance of urban students. This article proposes actions for NCATE which reflect this role. (IAH)

This paper deals with six sets of concerns and suggestions that arise as attitudes toward urban teaching are assessed. The first set arises from the complexity of measuring attitudes. It is strongly recommended that critiques of attitude data be based on plausible rival hypotheses. The second set involves the identification of beliefs related to a…

Teacher educators can become more active in urban schooling by: (1) recognizing that recent historical events have changed the forms of urban schooling; (2) accepting the basic differences in ideology between people in urban schools and those in colleges of education; and (3) reorganizing the priorities of teacher education programs. (JN)

Research suggests that using an ecological approach to school reform calls for understanding how urban school curricula, procedures, and regulations affect interactions among students, teachers, and parents and then devising solutions that do not blame any party. The federal program Trainers of Teacher Trainers exemplifies forging new…

Notions of critical thinking are examined particularly in relation to academic success. Current debate focuses on children's lack of critical-thinking skills, especially those in urban schools. Because teachers' beliefs form the foundational basis for critical thinking, shaping attitudes and values is needed in teacher-education programs. (MMU)

Reports on the results of case studies in two Ohio middle schools that employed a model known as the equity metric to identify factors affecting equity in urban science education reform. (Contains 33 references.) (DDR)

This document reports on the qualities of a good urban teacher as perceived by urban early childhood and elementary school teachers in 1988. A review of the educational literature indicates that the characteristics of good teaching reflected the time period in which the teachers lived and were prepared. This study focused on preschool, substitute,…

Student teaching is only a successful experience if it assists the prospective teacher in developing effective classroom control techniques and evolving a personal teaching style. In order to make student teaching useful, four factors should be considered. First, profiles should be developed on the student teacher and the cooperating teacher…

The Urban Sites Network of the National Writing Project was conceived, designed, and implemented as a national teacher inquiry network for urban sites of the National Writing Project. The goal of the Urban Sites Network has been to develop, articulate, and implement a new agenda for National Writing Project sites serving larger cities. Over the…

The shortage of competent, caring professionals who see themselves as urban educators has long been recognized as a problem that teacher preparation programs need to address. The authors argue that situating an entire elementary teacher education program in an urban school setting and engaging candidates in ongoing conversations about difficult…