Article provided thoughts on teaching that may challenge your own, practical tips for analyzing your classroom attitudes, and a verbal pat on the back for the good job you're doing. (Editor/RK)

A conversation between three demonstration teachers.

At least 250,000 elementary teachers in this country are unhappy about teaching. They are tired, weary, or let down about their jobs. Article described some ways that teachers can experience a deliberate retooling and again find teaching exciting and fulfilling. (Author/RK)

Midge Curry, fourth-grade teacher, is popular with both students and fellow teachers alike, and her principal thinks she is doing a great job. She, however, thinks she is a fraud. Describes her interaction with the school counselor and how she learned to evaluate and improve her performance as a teacher. (Editor/RK)

Described is a teacher strike in Upper Merion, Pennsylvania. The strike centered around the issue of how to evaluate teachers in an era of declining enrollment, and caused a great deal of conflict among teachers, administrators, and the community. (KC)

Arguments for and against merit pay are weighed, and merit pay's probable effects on teacher morale and motivation are discussed. Different types of programs are reviewed, including: (1) bonuses based on student or teacher performance; (2) individualized productivity plans; (3) differentiated staffing; and (4) the career ladder approach. (PP)