Agricultural teachers must continually improve their knowledge and skills in animal science. Teacher educators can play a significant role in this process through the following channels: summer courses, teleconferencing, workshops, summer internships, technical update programs, field days, curriculum materials development and dissemination, and…

This document contains ideas and information regarding using the Internet in the professional development of vocational education teachers. Presented first is basic information about what the Internet is and its value as a tool for professional development (including its role as a vehicle for accessing the ERIC database, taking online classes, and…

Cites the lack of students' understanding and practicing of science processes as evidenced in science fair projects. Major contributors to the decline in science achievement are discussed. Author suggests teachers need experience with "sciencing" in the form of original investigative projects. Coursework designed to meet this goal is described.…

Introduces a collection of papers that discuss using personal histories to better understand teacher preparation and development. The article explains what personal histories are, why it is important to write about and research them, and how to understand the power of personal histories in the work and lives of teachers. (SM)

To encourage talented teachers to remain in the profession, their rewards and opportunities must be expanded. Also, a level of quality teaching must be established and maintained by organizing schools for continuing improvement. Recent research on improving technical competence and collegiality among teachers offers guidance towards accomplishing…

This paper describes five key trends in the ways the rules for education are changing, the potential implications of the changes, and challenges for those promoting school health education. (SM)

Examines the nature and attributes of reflective practitioners, necessary characteristics of reflective practitioners, and the role of university faculty in educational foundations and philosophy of education in preparing reflective practitioners. Argues that reflective practice in schools is philosophy of education at its best. (SM)

This paper examines the relationship between various characterizations of the clinical supervision model and teacher job satisfaction. The first part of the paper describes teacher job satisfaction and looks at the history and meaning of clinical supervision. The next part of the paper describes Barbara Pavan's (1993) revised clinical supervision…

Discusses the role of educational technology in teachers' continuing education, examining models for continuing technology education (technology workshops, school-based technology teacher programs, and district technology support and resource centers). Also discusses issues confronting continuing technology education (hardware and software,…

A California program makes science real for elementary teachers by linking them with retired scientists who share their experience and knowledge of science. Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science (TOPS) recruits, trains, and supports the scientists, and the scientists plan and deliver lessons to students and staff. The paper notes six…

The National Writing Project and the National Geographic Society's Geography Education Program are two highly acclaimed staff development networks that are models for other organizations. Both programs feature intensive summer workshops and numerous followups during the subsequent school year. This paper describes the networks and presents six…

The Innovation Configurations approach is a way of measuring what aspects of a staff development training program are actually being put into practice. Unlike other methods of measuring implementation (and particularly those used in the evaluation of bilingual program implementation), it does not focus on outcomes but instead answers the…

A group of 37 college and university presidents recommended more cooperation between colleges and schools and improved training for teachers. The goal of the presidents meeting was to contemplate their role in the school-reform movement. Greater emphasis, it was suggested, must be placed on the value of teaching. (MLW)

Investigates problems besetting United States teacher education institutions. Cites curricula, the relatively low status of teachers in American society, and low salary expectations as reasons behind the present need for better teachers and improved teacher education. Discusses current reform efforts to attract talented persons to the profession.…

This article argues for the efficacy of a critical consciousness in teacher preparation paradigms. By studying the methodological accounts of several master teachers, students can receive a theoretical grounding in and practical examples of emancipatory pedagogy in daily classroom activities. (Author/SA)