An in-depth examination of an elementary beginning teacher's successes and struggles was conducted to provide insight into the demands placed upon her from teacher responsibilities, her school, the students in her classroom and their parents, as well as the pressures from personal goals and setbacks. Monthly open-ended interviews and a…

National teacher shortages have driven the market for alternative means of teacher certification. This study sought to understand what mentorship means to 27 beginning teachers in a university-district partnership Alternative Certification Program (ACP) in an effort to understand the participants' perceptions. The process included administering…

The Entry Year Assistance Program of Educational Service Unit #11 in Nebraska is a staff development project to train mentor teachers, entry-year teachers, and school administrators in small, rural school districts. Schools that participate in the program select a team consisting of a mentor teacher, an administrator, and an entry-year teacher.…

This workbook, which accompanies eight audio cassettes, offers strategic advice and inspiration to support beginning elementary teachers. Information comes from roundtable discussions with four experienced teachers. Chapter 1 "Teacher as Decision Maker" discusses the decision making process, how to correct decisions, and when to seek wise counsel.…

"Education Matters" is the monthly newsletter of the Association of American Educators (AAE), an organization dedicated to advancing the American teaching profession through personal growth, professional development, teacher advocacy and protection. This issue of the newsletter includes: (1) Misread: Why Congress Isn't Giving Her the…

This publication provides guidelines and worksheets for orienting This publication provides guidelines and worksheets for orienting principal, the new teacher, and the assigned, more experienced "buddy teacher" are outlined, and a schedule of key due dates for their responsibilities is provided. Worksheets are provided for new teachers to…

Andrews University, Michigan, developed the First Day of School Experience for preservice teachers, which coincides with the opening days of school in area K-12 public and private schools where preservice teachers are placed for their student teaching experiences. The program allows preservice teachers to develop competence in beginning the school…

Teachers continue to report that classroom management is one of their greatest challenges in the classroom. Classroom management involves teacher's efforts to oversee classroom activities such as learning, social interaction, and student behavior. In this study, we examined the relationship between sources of teachers' certification (traditional…

Over the past 20 years, teacher educators have increasingly turned to case-based instruction with Pre-service, novice, and even experienced teachers. However, advocates of case-based teaching rarely point out the many challenges that might detract from effective case-based instruction. I briefly outline some of the more obvious challenges facing…

This qualitative case study investigated three first-year teachers at one high school during 1997-98, examining what factors contributed to their success or failure during their entry year and describing the process of teacher identity formation, what factors influenced the identity they created, and how they interpreted lessons learned. Data…

This practicum was designed to facilitate the professional growth and personal well-being of beginning teachers during the induction year. The program provided novice teachers with opportunities for regular contact with an experienced teacher, encouraged demonstration of positive self-perceptions as professionals, and assisted in the development…

This guide for beginning teachers provides assistance in the following areas: (1) "Physical Environment and Materials" (e.g., room arrangement and bulletin boards); (2) "Setting Expectations" (e.g., rules and consequences and early parent communication); (3) "First Days of School" (e.g., activities and teacher daily…

This book is designed as a portable mentor for new teachers. Through a close and intense dialogue between a new teacher and a seasoned veteran, the novice comes to see troublesome situations more clearly, to anticipate trouble before it arises, and to develop more comprehensive and powerful strategies for leadership. Through the outcomes achieved…

A descriptive study investigated the nature of classroom management practices and teacher thinking about these practices in five kindergartens during the first month of school. Participants (two novice second-year teachers and three experienced teachers) were videotaped during four half-day sessions, beginning with the first day of school and once…

This article is a description of my first year as a history teacher. The purpose of it is to help any preservice teacher who is about to enter a classroom for the first time. I explain instruction patterns and management skills that are vital to any starting teacher. The introduction deals with explaining my situation. It covers the demography and…