Recent reforms (such as New Jersey's alternative certification requirements) aimed at attracting higher quality teacher candidates, combined with a predicted teacher shortage and changes in professional attitudes and values, are providing increased opportunities for all kinds of teachers. Suddenly, private schools are valuing candidates with…

Lists 10 premises affecting the future of teaching, including trends toward teacher shortages, declining entry standards, unattractive salaries and working conditions, and standardized curricula. Presents three scenarios: business-as-usual, two-tiered (permanent senior teacher cadres instructing temporary teachers), and a professional scenario…

Today's shortage of talented teachers--possibly a cyclical phenomenon--results largely from low teacher salaries, many survey indicate; moreover, a computer simulation confirms, recent institutional decisions aggravate the problem. Consequently, reforms that focus exclusively on teacher training practices and/or certification must ultimately fail.…

Describes a Nebraska case where a signing bonus awarded to a new teacher was contested by the teachers' association. Provides a two-part legal reminder to school authorities. Does the state have a collective bargaining law that mandates bargaining in such situations? If so, negotiate the matter into a clearly provable agreement. (Author/MLF)