A questionnaire was administered to 1403 twelfth grade students in the Bahamas who were described as potentially eligible to pursue college-level work leading to teacher certification. Student opinions were sought on teacher training programs at the College of the Bahamas, conditions of teaching employment, characteristics of students in secondary…

This publication presents data concerning individuals who received initial teacher certification for the 1980-81 school year in Pennsylvania. All institutions in Pennsylvania having teacher education programs (a total of 83) responded to the survey. Charts and tables provide statistics on: (1) trends in teacher preparation, employment, and…

An analysis of data on teachers indicates coming changes in recruitment and retention of the American teaching force, in the quality of teachers, and in the attractiveness of teaching as a profession. New recruits to teaching are less academically qualified than those who are leaving, and shortages of qualified teachers in subjects such as…

The career paths of women full professors at a university with predominantly male faculty was studied to identify the developmental trends in their lives and to project success paths that could be contemplated by aspiring women academics. Interviews were conducted with 13 women faculty members and their vitas were analyzed. The following broad…

A number of papers each of which explains aspects of the life and background of new secondary school teachers in Papua New Guinea, have been produced as a result of the 1982 New Teachers Survey. This paper will summarise the major points which have been revealed so far. There appears to have been no previous research on new provincial high school…

This study examined minority and mainstream teacher candidates' views on teaching as a profession and career. Interviews and surveys indicated that both groups were concerned with professional status, proud of becoming teachers, and worried about teaching conditions. Minority students were more affected by the low professional status of teaching…

Surveyed male and female preservice elementary teachers regarding factors influencing their decisions to become teachers. Females were motivated by perceived intrinsic aspects of elementary teaching but emphasized perceived extrinsic aspects. Males were aware of the feminization of elementary teaching but considered a male presence in elementary…

This handbook provides information and offers guidance and resources to help those who have expressed an interest in the teaching profession. The publication is organized into six chapters as follows: (1) "A Snapshot of the Profession" (why people choose to teach, the need for teachers, school reform and the nation's future, and what…

A survey of 577 secondary students was conducted to determine pupils' attitudes towards teaching as a profession. Teaching in general, and secondary teaching in particular, was more attractive to females, to students from rural schools, and pupils whose parents had low academic qualifications. (JHZ)

This study examined whether 540 teacher candidates who failed to or who successfully made the transition into teaching 7 years after commencement of teacher preparation differed in anxiety about teaching, attitude toward a teaching career, and self-perceived effectiveness as future teachers. At the beginning of teacher preparation in 1985,…

This analysis discusses ways to address the persistent challenge of ensuring that students who attend urban schools are taught by highly effective teachers. It presents a four-point strategic plan that includes: (1) increase the quantity and quality of people entering and returning to teaching in urban districts (precollegiate recruitment, higher…

This study examined demographics, entry perspectives, attitudes toward teaching, and commitment to a lifelong teaching career among California teacher candidates, comparing the findings to national teacher profile data. Results found a lack of minority representation, a majority of nontraditional teacher candidates, and a lack of commitment to…

Studies the experiences of a talented cohort of the African-American teaching pool (n=41), focusing on why they chose to enter teaching and their perspectives on factors influencing retention of others like themselves in teaching. Being encouraged to teach appears to be a necessary element in the recruitment of African-American teachers. (SLD)

This study explored the issue of respectability and the changing image of public school teachers through interviews with 140 teachers of color in 3 urban school districts--Cincinnati (Ohio), Seattle (Washington), and Long Beach (California). Almost half the respondents felt that either the negative image or low status of teaching was one of the…

There has been considerable concern among policymakers over the last decade about the recruitment and retention of talented and energetic people into teaching. A study is described that documented what three talented and idealistic prospective teachers hoped to accomplish in their teaching and how their goals developed through teacher education…