Inner-city teachers reported a significnatly greater frequency of problems associated with factors labeled remediation, professional autonomy, and control. However, with respect to the extent that problems were reported to be bothersome, no significant differences among teacher-location groups were observed. (RC)

In the ever-changing world of education, beginning teachers need resources to turn to as they face new, daily challenges. In a collection of 22 essays, the book's author shares insights and experiences from her first three years of teaching, using humor, honesty, and compassion to cover diverse topics. The essays can make new teachers feel like…

This study used the narrative-biographical and micro-political perspectives as a theoretical framework to explore how beginning teachers experienced the induction phase, focusing on their experience with professional socialization and ways in which they were confronted with the micro-political realities of schools during induction. Participants…

Some helpful hints for beginning teachers confronting their first class are offered. Hints include encouraging student participation, providing a course overview, utilizing classroom order techniques, making and following a plan, and accumulating experience. (MF)

Argues for the significance of "personal theories" in teaching. Profiles first year teaching of four teachers who had completed program of self-inquiry and reflection about their own developing conceptions of education. Describes their personal theories of teaching before employment and the nature and impact of their teaching…

Uses data from a state-sponsored career ladder program to examine the interrelationships between work redesign, work rewards, values, and job satisfaction. Shows that participation in work redesign is associated with job satisfaction among more experienced teachers, but not among their less experienced counterparts. Extrinsic rewards (higher…

Interviewed beginning teachers to examine their experiences and the extent to which their preservice programs adequately prepared them for teaching. Results revealed six conceptual and temporal states through which they passed during their initial experiences: archetype; approaching the gates; clearing the gates; the gloss wears off;…

The Teach for America program recruits beginning teachers with high levels of personal responsibility and leadership ability, provides a five-week hands-on training period, and places them in areas with a shortage of certified teachers (often rural or inner-city schools). A young teacher of American Indian descent describes her experience with the…

Describes teachers who made a difference in the author's literacy development and who fostered his love of learning and teaching. Discusses the importance of teachers growing as professionals. Describes various opportunities through the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) for teachers to share the good work that they do. Notes NCTE's…

In this article, the author shares his experiences as a first-year teacher. He discusses many challenges that he faced, including dealing with an aggressive student, the fear of losing control of the classroom, criticisms from parents, and balancing school life with his private life. The author offers advice to first-year teachers including the…

In this brief article, the author advises teachers to not only exhibit self-discipline and motivation, but also to develop the courage to embark on a personal journey. He asserts that in order to grow professionally, it is necessary to become a reflective practitioner as well as an active teacher.

Induction has become an increasingly popular strategy for school districts across the country that seek solutions for high attrition rates among teachers who are new to the profession. In Illinois public schools, the attrition rate among new teachers can be as high as 40 percent after only five years on the job. Such turnover levels are costly for…

This study sought to ascertain the needs of teachers as they progress through their induction year. Three parochial schools in the Chicago Archdiocese, each with unique attributes and school make-up were the sites of the study. Due to an increase of new teachers in these schools, the principals approached the researcher for assistance in providing…

Surveys conducted over three consecutive years sought to determine if beginning teachers graduating at the same time but with varying amounts of subsequent teaching experience perceived the quality of their training program differently. Questionnaires elicited 954 responses. Questions focused on five skill categories: planning, instructing,…