This monograph represents efforts of individuals committed to promoting increased ethnic and cultural diversity in the teaching profession. it is organized into four sections. Section 1, "An Overview," is followed by the second section, "Nature and Need," which includes the chapters: "Defining an Ethnically Diverse…

Recent concern about teacher shortages has raised questions about the attractiveness of the teaching profession. This issue brief examines whether teacher salaries have increased in recent years, how they compare with salaries in other entry-level occupations, and how they vary within and across school districts in the nation. Data on scheduled…

This paper examines factors which may impact on recruitment and retention of members of the African-American teaching pool. Data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews administered to prospective and beginning teachers (N=41) to determine background characteristics, reasons for entering the teaching profession, experiences in teacher…

The literature shows clearly that rural administrators find it extremely difficult to locate and hire qualified teachers who fit in with the school and community and will stay in the job. The "ideal" rural teacher is certified to teach more than one subject or grade level, can teach students with a wide range of abilities in the same classroom, is…

The status of black staff and faculty at Kennesaw College, a predominantly white campus in Georgia, during 1976-1986 is discussed. Until 1981, very few blacks were employed at the college, black personnel turnover was high, and black faculty and staff had low morale. In 1981-1982, a new president sought to promote affirmative action and the…

The major question addressed in a study of secondary school teachers was, to what degree do organizational incentives result in maintaining in the profession committed teachers whose primary satisfactions and reasons for persistence are related to students, curriculum, and classroom procedures? Interviews were conducted with 30 secondary school…

Social isolation, extreme weather conditions, inadequate housing, and low salaries often characterizing rural areas cause problems in recruiting and retaining special education personnel. Successful interviewers for rural districts must include four components in their recruitment strategies: the use of intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivators,…

This report documents the extraordinary crisis facing Florida's public schools and provides evidence that Amendment 9--a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce class sizes--is a cost-effective and invaluable first step to rebuilding its troubled public schools. The report also sets the record straight about the long-term benefits of investing…

In early January 2003, "Education Week" released a new report on the status of teaching in the United States and concluded that many states are taking steps to recruit and retain skilled teachers, but few efforts focus on the schools where these teachers are needed most. Drawing upon a large national database, "Quality Counts…

This document provides information about teacher candidates completing programs in Maryland institutions of higher education and the hiring needs of local school systems. The report also outlines a number of important incentives and strategies for the recruitment and retention of quality teachers for Maryland public schools. The Maryland State…

This report presents a blueprint for attracting, developing, and retaining skilled and diverse teachers who effectively increase the achievement of all of Virginia's students. The five recommendations are to: (1) develop a comprehensive database to support Virginia's commitment to teacher quality; (2) expand recruitment initiatives to attract…

In addition to being one of the largest states in the country, California is also known for innovation and change. Reform in California often presages change throughout the country. The views of California teachers are, therefore, of special Significance to policymakers. This survey examines the 1985 views of California teachers for strengthening…

The challenge to teacher education created by today's changing demographics involves excellence and equity. The present hostile climate at colleges and universities for faculty of color requires a creative readjustment of the tenure and promotion process. A discussion for preparing, mentoring, and retraining future teacher educators of color using…

Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states are implementing policies that provide incentives to attract and retain teachers and increase student performance. Every state has unique priorities. This report includes a framework for thinking about priorities for a state based on the SREB's teacher supply and demand research (reducing new teacher…

During the past decade, there has been a simultaneous decline in the number of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American teachers and an increase in the number of students among these same groups of minorities (referenced in this text as people of color). An array of topics relative to this decline were explored as the subject of a…