UNESCO, the Teacher Task Force, and the International Labour Organization continue to highlight the need to create healthy, thriving working conditions for educators. They seek respect and dignity in the education professions, as demonstrated through regular, fair, and life-sustaining remuneration, as well as through recognition of the expertise,…

In gatherings facilitated by Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools staff, fellows have the chance to connect, collaborate, and support each other; to draw inspiration from invited speakers, ranging from artists to climate scientists; and to have dedicated time to work on their own projects. Participants find the program to be…

In this article, Jennifer Jones describes how at Pine Street School in New York City, they have dispensed with the traditional industrial model of schooling and are looking ahead to the future. The entire school was designed with optional learning environments. Jones describes innovative elements from varied seating (floor cushions, modular…

There has been a growing interest in and research on the construction of teachers' professional identity and parameters of practice among researchers worldwide. This piece examines the nature of teachers' perceptions about their professionalism and practice. It also explores teacher isolation stemming from assumptions related to…

Unlike most immigrants, who come to host countries after being granted legal permanent residency, refugees are forced to leave their homelands, often abruptly, due to threats to their personal safety. Refugees enter their host countries with no prior arrangements in place (e.g., housing, financial support of relatives, opportunities to start…

All good teachers try hard to treat each child fairly and kindly, with care and concern. Indeed, they are ethically obliged to do so (National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC], 2005). As they are human, however, they may occasionally meet a child to whom they react negatively. It is not something to be proud of, but they…

Over the last 30 years, biracial individuals have become one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. Despite this rapid growth, these citizens are only slowly beginning to be acknowledged among monoracial groups and in academia. Because biracial identities "potentially disrupt the white/"of color" dichotomy, and…

Argues that the teacher's most significant contribution is to help children believe in their capabilities. Several rules of thumb for teachers are mentioned: avoid negativism, create success opportunities for students, relate to students as individuals, encourage risk-taking, communicate help with social needs, and build student feelings of…

Presents one teacher's perspectives on the priorities that are important for children in an educational environment. (BB)

This article offers a number of ideas that teachers and administrators can implement in order to help make educational settings more welcoming for parents who are LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual or transgender). However, the real work is beyond that of putting up posters or dolls in the dollhouse or changing the words to fingerplays to reflect the…

This article reviews ways in which early childhood educators can be advocates for the many children whose diversities bring them face to face with suffering and injustice. Educators' professional advocacy can focus continually on specific ways in which schools or programs should reflect caring and fairness to all children, regardless of…

Reports impressions about the current context of education for children in the Yukon as well as some unusual aspects of teaching in this harsh northern climate. Problems of evaluating education in the Yukon are briefly indicated. (Author/RH)

Defines an anti-bias curriculum as accepting the legitimacy of children's home languages, acknowledging all attempts at communication, and promoting active involvement of traditional, extended, and non-traditional families. Examines anti-bias education, language, and literacy. Identifies six tenets of anti-bias educators. Advocates laying the…

Describes three strategies teachers may use in developing a prosocial classroom environment for preschool children. Strategies include: (1) examination of teacher attitudes about prosocial behavior among preschool children; (2) examination of teaching techniques; and (3) evaluation of the classroom environment and curriculum. (RJC)

Many Americans believe that diversity issues are limited to the United States. The truth is, however, that many cultures struggle to recognize and foster cultural diversity. In this article, the authors have two aims: (1) to recognize various ethnic groups in Taiwan, in particular aboriginal groups; and (2) to inform educators about what they can…