Using the identity lens as a theoretical framework, we studied 42 novice second career chemistry teachers, who had previously worked as chemists and participated in an alternative certification program (ACP) at a science and engineering research university. Our goal was to understand the transition process of these teachers into the teaching…

Educators, legislators, parents, and the general public all seem to agree on one thing: the quality of education delivered to a student has more to do with the quality of the classroom teacher than any other factor. Yet, the quality of classroom teaching in America has not improved one iota over the past 50 years. As a matter of fact, in a study…

The condition of the academic profession today is examined with a focus on the teaching and research functions in the academy. The diverse settings in which academics work are considered in three parts: (1) the foundations of the academic profession (the evolution of institutions; the elaboration of disciplines; and the open system); (2) the…

Discusses the professional perils of teachers who profess or discuss homosexuality. Reports on a survey of English teachers documenting professional discrimination against lesbians and gay males. (RL)

In this study, we interviewed collaborating teachers who had participated in our field experience program to examine collaborating teachers' perceptions of a long-term, onsite teacher-education program and to define their role as teacher educators. Collaborating teachers stated that this long-term, preservice field experience effectively…

Presents the story of how Charlotte Bronte and her sister, Emily, experienced their own education and how Charlotte pursued education as a career because of duty, need, and fate. The article suggests that Charlotte was a woman of extraordinary genius and noble virtue, though she was actually a reluctant teacher. (SM)

Addresses the concern that with neither the time needed to get together, nor a common curriculum to focus on, most teachers are left to reinvent the wheel, alone, in thousands of separate classrooms. The author offers two initiatives designed to correct the problem. (GR)

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching report, "The Academic Life," finds that too often teaching is undervalued on college campuses. Teachers and teaching need to be elevated in the hierarchy of the academic profession. (MLW)

Suggests that teachers changing careers must be able to assess their special skills and explore how these skills translate into careers outside teaching. Presents a sample cover letter and resume letter, and several specific examples of teachers who found new careers in other fields. (JAC)

Explores the needs of women in education in relation to their recruitment, self-development, and advancement. Reviews use of incentives as mechanisms to achieve educational professionalism and to raise teacher proficiency as it relates to women. Offers alternative incentive models. (CH)

Drawing upon data from teacher surveys, explores reasons that individuals decide to become teachers. Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the profession and discusses job satisfaction, coping strategies, stress, and burnout among teachers. (GC)

Examines the relationship between coaching and teaching, noting differences between education and training, education and competition, and physical education (PE) and sport. The paper distinguishes between knowledge and skill and theory and practice and concludes that though there is more to sport than education, and more to PE than sport,…

Explores the history of tenure and analyzes various meanings of the concept in literature and laws. Provides a critique of aspects of these definitions, exposing the extent to which tenure, as presently conceptualized, fails to promote teacher professionalism. Explores ways in which present tenure policies could be reformulated to promote…

For new teachers, the worst part of the job search is the wait. This paper provides some tips to get through this process with ease.

America's schools are facing a critical shortage of teachers just as student enrollments are rising and more rigorous assessments of student achievement are being implemented. The shortage is especially acute in hard-to-staff schools in urban and rural areas, as well as in high-demand subjects such as math, science, and bilingual and special…