Describes one high school teacher's path toward becoming an educator. She never dreamed of becoming a teacher, nor did she study teaching in college. After college, conversations with friends led her to a graduate teacher education program, then into teaching. For years, she was not convinced that her career choice was appropriate, but eventually…

Describes many reasons why the author decided to teach English as an occupation. Suggests that jobs should be ones people enjoy, ones they look forward to getting out of bed for in the morning. Notes that people ought to do what they excel at with no consideration for financial reward. Suggests that those who study good literature find epiphanies.…

States that industrial arts/technical education should help students establish the rational criteria that are necessary for effective occupational decisions. Lists 30 learning activities to assist students with occupational exploration and choice. (JOW)

Explores reasons for the reluctance of qualified people to assume principalships, e.g., lack of confidence because of unfamiliarity with leadership skills and fear of the responsibilities involved. Sees self-knowledge, openness, unlimited liability for the school community, patience, and overall vision as qualifications for leadership. (DMM)

Discusses the importance of helping students link personal characteristics with occupational characteristics for a specific job so that they will make a good career choice. (JOW)

Applies a career framework to examine how curriculum placement and subject choice affect the pupil's experience of schooling. (JOW)

Horticulture careers provide therapeutic, rewarding employment for persons with mental retardation. Rehabilitation experts should become aware of the potential employment opportunities in horticulture so that individuals with disabilities can receive the training and job placement support they need. (Author)

Distinguishes between an early selection, low participation, differentiated vocational curriculum and a late selection, high participation, integrated curriculum. Argues, on the basis of international evidence and equity and economic growth considerations, for the latter. (Author/JOW)

Makes six suggestions for selecting appropriate career assessment instruments in the areas of proper training, use of the right kind of standards, deciding what information is needed, getting written documentation about tests under consideration, careful evaluation of instruments, and becoming familiar with issues in career assessment. (ABL)

Counters misconceptions with facts about school-to-work (STW): students have unrealistic career goals; most are not prepared for college academics; college is increasingly paid for by loans; only one in three college graduates finds a relevant job; technical employment is the fastest growing sector; STW does not preclude college; and technician…

Presents profiles within the disciplines of neuroscience, mathematics, and chemistry characterizing how each field extends different atmospheres for women. Offers short reports on key issues that women face as they climb the career ladder, including the special problem of finding mentors. Mini-profiles of successful females and what it took for…

Looks at what 10 states (Arkansas, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah, and Washington) are doing to ensure that their students are able to access high-skill, high-wage information technology career opportunities. (JOW)

A collection of 18 essays originally published in "The American Biology Teacher" in a column headed "Biology Today" are presented. The essays have been reprinted in chronological order and begin with an essay published in March 1982. A variety of types of writings were selected: some focus on teaching biology, others on the science itself. Several…

There is a need to expand vocational education's role in secondary education to include (1) career awareness and exploration, (2) provision of vocational skills to nonvocational majors, and (3) provision of skills necessary for productive use of leisure time. (SK)

Reports on parental concerns and misconceptions regarding the federal school-to-work initiative, such as the following: it is too soon for students to select career paths; the government is infringing on local autonomy; college is the best path; and it is an adaptation of a socialist model. (SK)