This digest, addressed to prospective teachers, consists of questions and answers that provide information on such topics as teachers' responsibilities, how to become a teacher, teacher supply and demand, salaries, and working conditions. References are included. (JD)

The role of academic chairpersons in the management of academic departments in Beijing, The People's Republic of China, is described. After a brief overview of social and political changes in China since 1949, the college teaching profession in China is discussed in terms of workload, salary, living conditions, the lack of individual choice in…

In this report on improving education in Michigan, a brief analysis is first presented of the educational trends in the state and factors affecting the teacher shortage. Recommendations for future action include: (1) financial investment by the State in teachers and teacher education; (2) recruiting the most committed, caring, and talented…

"Tomorrow's Teachers" (Holmes Group, 1986) expressed the need to reform teacher preparation programs. Implications of this report for preparation of visual disabilities teachers are discussed, focusing on a five-year training program, three levels of educational licenses, professional entry examinations, strengthened ties between…

In addition to being one of the largest states in the country, California is also known for innovation and change. Reform in California often presages change throughout the country. The views of California teachers are, therefore, of special Significance to policymakers. This survey examines the 1985 views of California teachers for strengthening…

A series of 10 seminars on teaching and learning across the curriculum were offered at Burlington College (Vermont) to improve faculty morale and to provide faculty development at this college which relies on an all-adjunct faculty. These interdisciplinary seminars focused on local context and culture. The 32 participants, who were paid an…

This book presents information from a 1999 survey that asked teachers nationwide about stressors in their teaching situation, how they handled the stressors, and specific times they felt the most joy in teaching. Part 1, "Teachers' Lives," highlights: the teachers' own words about centering and balancing; the joys of teaching; school community;…

Describes the development and operation of the associate degree program conducted by South Georgia College at the Georgia State Prison, a large maximum security prison, and compares it with a similar program conducted by Tallahassee Community College at the Federal Correction Institution in Florida, a small minimum security prison. (JP)

Describes the Hong Kong education system, discusses policies and initiatives for education quality and school improvement, and reviews the development of school-effectiveness research. Summarizes progress in language teaching and learning, teacher quality, private-sector school development, curriculum development, teaching and learning conditions,…

The revision of the University of Maryland Special Education Department 5-year undergraduate teacher preparation program is described. A recent program graduate's reflections on her first year of teaching illuminate key issues addressed in revising the program to focus on multicategorical special education teacher preparation across a more refined…

Presents results of empirical research examining job satisfaction among proprietary school teachers in the new Laender in Germany. Identifies three main areas of concern; academic freedom, professional satisfaction, and job-related stress. Suggests significant differences between these findings and those of earlier studies. (MJP)

Asserts that longer class periods must be approached and planned in a completely different manner than shorter periods. A 90-minute period requires a higher degree of teacher preparation and a critical focus on objectives and planning. Includes a summary of questions, predictions, and findings from teachers. (MJP)

This paper focuses on the divide at the classroom level in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) that is centered on how those who have technology use it in the pursuit of effective language teaching and learning. This divide is the result in part of the current emphasis on emerging technologies in the CALL literature and in CALL language…

This article discusses teacher burnout which scholars define as a condition caused by depersonalization, exhaustion, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. A psychological model of how stress leads to burnout describes it as a syndrome resulting from teachers' inability to protect themselves against threats to their self esteem and well-being.…

The author discusses teaching early child mathematics in an environment of unique challenge in a remote region of Western Australia. The challenges include: (1) a high proportion of transient students; (2) a student population that is forty percent aboriginal, many for whom English is a second language; (3) students who consistently perform below…