This survey-based study examined how the intensity of the beliefs of novice in-service teachers about reform-based mathematics instruction changed as they crossed the threshold into their first year of teaching. It also investigated the relationship between the influence of new mentors, or "transitional faculty," including mentor…

The problem addressed in this study was new elementary teachers lack preparation in classroom and behavior management. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to describe (a) perceptions and experiences of new teachers, cooperating teachers, and elementary school principals regarding teacher preparedness in classroom and behavior management…

The educational importance of teacher self-efficacy necessitates research into variables presumed to significantly influence teacher self-efficacy. In the current study, the role of personal and programmatic variables on the self-efficacy of school-based agriculture teachers was explored. Self-efficacy was measured in five aspects of the…

Monthly meetings and a peer-observation program help novice teachers overcome isolation and practice new skills that support improved student learning. Peer observation is not without its difficulties. Above all else, the point of the program is to make teachers more comfortable observing, sharing instructional ideas, and learning from one…

States are doing much to bolster teacher education, training and professional development in recognition that challenges exist in the sustenance of a pipeline of qualified educators in all areas, including career and technical education (CTE). A recent brief, "Teacher Shortage Undermines CTE," by the National Association of State…

Using the Delphi technique, agriculture teachers with significant experience teaching welding were asked to help determine the critical skills beginning agriculture teachers need to successfully teach welding. The study's objectives sought to (1) identify the knowledge and technical skill competencies that beginning agriculture teachers need to…

This dissertation examines the extent to which novice secondary mathematics teachers (licensed and currently teaching in Utah) perceive they are prepared to do the work of teaching secondary mathematics. It first examined if novice secondary mathematics teachers' perceptions of their knowledge and skills of doing their work fell into four…

For five years running, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has tracked states' teacher policies, preparing a detailed and thorough compendium of teacher policy in the United States on topics related to teacher preparation, licensure, evaluation, career advancement, tenure, compensation, pensions and dismissal. The "2011 State…

This report presents the Utah edition of the National Council on Teacher Quality's 2008 "State Teacher Policy Yearbook." The 2008 "Yearbook" focuses on how state policies impact the retention of effective new teachers. This policy evaluation is broken down into three areas that encompass 15 goals. Broadly, these goals examine…

Describes a teacher mentoring program at Bear River Middle School in Utah, based on interviews with the principal, mentors, and new teachers. Discusses the program's formal and informal characteristics, needs addressed, and areas needing improvement. Asserts that mentoring constitutes an important part of the induction process for new teachers by…

This article presents a model of mentoring which may be used as an analytic tool for reflecting on practices commonly employed in supporting beginning teachers. Eighteen mentors and 36 intern teachers whom they mentored were participants in the study. Analysis of data revealed three general patterns of mentoring--responsive, interactive, and…

This study, designed to update comparative data on teacher supply and demand and the status of currently active teachers, is divided into five sections: (1) Total Professional Personnel; (2) Letters of Authorization (emergency certificates); (3) New Personnel; (4) Supply of Teachers; and (5) Miscellaneous. Charts and tables are used to give…

This report, one of a series of studies of the supply of teachers, the demand for teachers, and the status of currently active teachers provides information on the status of teacher personnel in Utah: (1) total number of professional personnel; (2) ethnic and racial background; (3) certification and training; (4) professional experience; (5) age…

This report recounts the establishment of the Utah Career Ladder Program, reviews findings from prior evaluations of the program, and describes in detail the 1993 evaluation authorized by the Utah State Legislature. The report also covers questions about the impact of the program in general. Chapter 1 provides a history of the Utah Career Ladder…

These proceedings contain 48 presentations and 15 poster abstracts. Papers include "Computer Tasks Required in Selected Undergraduate Agriculture Courses" (Johnson, Ferguson, Vokinnns, Lester); "College of Agriculture Faculty Perceptions of Electronic Technologies in Teaching" (Dooley, Murphy); "Steering Through Turbulent…