The author relates that she was an introvert child. It has always taken her time and energy to find her place in a group. As a grown-up, she still needed quiet time to regroup during a busy day. In this article, the author presents an interview with Marti Olsen Laney, author of "The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child." During the interview,…

This interview with Ernest Boyer focuses on the role of the teacher. How a teacher envisions the professional role determines the degree of creativity, excitement, and freedom within that role. Teachers need to be very clear, singleminded, and determined about moving in a better direction. (MT)

This article considers the teaching role of the elementary school media specialist and ways that cooperation with other teachers in the school may be developed. (SJL)

To be successful, individualized instruction must be introduced gradually. Children, especially those in the primary grades, do not know how to use freedom and initiative in the classroom. They must be taught this before individualization is implemented. (SJL)

Discusses how educational practice is influenced by economic, political, and social forces that reside outside the schools or school district. (CM)

In his third book, "Ready or Not, Here Life Comes" (Simon & Shuster, 2005), pediatrician and brain researcher Dr. Mel Levine talks about the rising number of "start-up adults"--students who emerge from high school or college to find themselves woefully unprepared for the realities of a career. This article presents an interview with Dr. Levine…

Excessive emphasis on objectives can lead to teachers who are good compliers, not necessarily good teachers. Teachers can become so preoccupied with evaluations, record keeping, and paperwork deadlines that they haven't time or energy to reflect on their teaching. (MT)

An elementary teacher describes how she helped a shy kindergarten student find the magic within himself that would lead to accepting friendship from other children. She discovered he needed patience and gentle prodding in order to move in the right direction. (SM)

This article presents practical information to help teachers become an effective force for drug education in their schools. A profile of a second grade teacher is included. She created a program that combines parent involvement and building student self-esteem in an effort to prepare children to refuse drugs in later years. (IAH)

This article focuses on the growing segment of teachers who consider themselves teacher researchers. A brief summary is given of how four teachers put research to work in their classrooms. Suggestions on how to be a better teacher researcher and a list of references and resources are given. (IAH)

A veteran cooperating teacher suggests that the key to a successful student teaching experience is organization and preparation, including setting objectives for the supervising teacher and student teacher, providing school orientation and a work area for the student teacher, helping pupils adjust to a student teacher, and accessibility. (CB)

Two plans for classroom management are included under this topic: "Nine Ways Kids Need You and How You Can Manage to Meet those Needs" by Marva T. Dixon and "Routine Ways to Better Your Teaching" by Jane Bluestein. (JMK)

This article offers ways to teach students about nuclear war. Suggestions include: (1) teaching problem solving; (2) presenting alternative views; (3) taking a factual approach; (4) thinking about possibilities; and (5) encouraging action. Included is a list of curriculum guides appropriate for teachers of intermediate grade students. (JMK)

An interview with Lilian Katz focuses on various aspects of early childhood education, and on the roles of both the early childhood educator and the practicing teacher. (CM)

The reasons some children struggle with reading are as varied as the children themselves. From trouble decoding words to problems retaining information, reading difficulties are complex. All kids, says the International Reading Association, "have a right to instruction designed with their specific needs in mind." The question is how to identify…