A longitudinal study was conducted to examine how a person's concept of learning, teaching, and self as teacher and learner changes over the years, and to understand the factors which contribute to the development of teachers. This paper presents the stories of two teachers who participated in the study--Beth who taught middle school science…

This study examined the characteristics and developmental patterns of National/State Teacher of the Year (NSTOY) honorees, through analysis of 196 honorees' responses on "The Great American Success Quotient Test." Results are analyzed in terms of personal characteristics or traits, experiences in chosen field, academic experience,…

The transition of teacher candidates into the teaching profession is often perceived to be particularly traumatic. This study was designed: (1) to ascertain whether or not 61 beginning elementary and secondary classroom teachers who responded on 2 occasions to the same work expectations scale changed job entry expectations between completion of…

Beginning teachers' learning is complex and personal: they learn about themselves as teachers; they fight with newly revealed selves endeavoring to change; and they engage in a struggle that is both emotional and intellectual. This report presents narratives, based on both journals and taped conversations, of the learning experiences of six novice…

A survey of prospective teachers' beliefs about teaching mathematics and writing to diverse learners was conducted for the purpose of improving teacher education programs. Respondents were 319 elementary education students, 71 prospective secondary math teachers, 52 prospective teachers of secondary English, 23 noneducation math majors, and 19…

Two-year longitudinal case studes were conducted of four teachers, beginning with the student teaching experience through the first year of teaching. The study explored ways in which teaching perspectives, evidenced at the end of student teaching, are strengthened or modified during the first year of teaching. It also sought to determine who and…

An overview is presented of a study conducted to obtain teachers' perceptions of their personal and professional development. Focused interviews were conducted with 13 female and 2 male elementary school teachers whose teaching experience ranged from 4 to 28 years. Interpretation of the data resulted in an exploration of: (1) interactions between…

This study examined the perceptions of 15 elementary school teachers on their personal and professional development. In focused interviews, they were asked their perceptions of the characteristics of their personal and professional development and of the major influences on that development. The teachers' experience ranged from 4 to 28 years. The…

The purpose of this journal, addressed specifically to educators, is to describe, introduce, or translate results of research and development work funded by the National Institute of Education. The first article examines two secondary schools that are undertaking comprehensive efforts to improve their practices with help from the Wisconsin…

Compares attitudes of 50 parents and 18 teachers at Standing Rock Community Elementary School (Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota) toward multicultural education and desirability of implementing it into the instructional program. Results indicated significant differences (.05 level) between attitudes of teachers (more positive) and…

1996 National Teacher of the Year--a high school teacher from rural Minnesota--reflects on the 30 years of her career and on social changes that have necessitated that her community and local schools work toward cultural understanding. The community went from a mostly white, middle-class, conservative community to one with at least six different…

This study investigated relationships between teacher training and competence in Malta. Education officers, preservice teachers, and recent graduates were surveyed about teacher preparation, attitudes, and skills. Most beginning teachers had positive attitudes toward teaching. With increasing years, teachers felt more disillusioned and unsure…

A survey of 794 teachers from six school districts in central California found that although teachers strongly endorsed the principles of bilingual education, they indicated minimal support for actual participation by students in bilingual programs. Teachers with supplementary training in English as a Second Language and bilingual education were…

This study compared the satisfactions and dissatisfactions of teachers of emotionally/behaviorally impaired students in special education, of general education teachers, and of teachers responsible for both regular and special needs students. Younger, less experienced teachers of students in special education were the most dissatisfied.…

Results are reported from an investigation into the influence of subject-specific coursework in the development of pedagogical content knowledge in English through contrasting case studies of six beginning English teachers, only three of whom graduated from teacher education programs. Implications for teacher education policy, research, and…