Presents data on the underrepresentation of black and other minority teachers and provides recommendations for the recruitment and retention of minority teachers in gifted education in the context of affective, philosophical, and cultural considerations. Research needs are identified in the areas of demographic data, career decisions,…

Data from the U.S. Current Population Survey and the Schools and Staffing Survey indicate that the average public school teacher is 42 years old, female, and white, with a bachelor's degree, 15 years of teaching experience, and an annual salary of $39,346. About 74 percent of teachers surveyed plan to stay in teaching as long as possible, 69…

The career paths of a sample of 5,100 White North Carolina teachers were analyzed using hazards modeling. Subject specialties, lower salaries, and National Teacher Examination scores were important predictors of secondary teacher turnover. Elementary school teachers were less likely to leave overall and more likely to return to teaching. (SK)

Using teacher commitment as a dependent variable, moderating effects of seven potential substitutes for leadership were investigated using 450 elementary-school teachers. Organizational-commitment scores rose sharply with increases in supportive leadership among staff with low professional orientation. Commitment did not vary with supportive…

Findings from Project CREDIT (Certification Renewal Experiences Designed to Improve Teaching) indicate that a multiple support system combining mentors, peers, and university personnel can reduce some complications of first-year teachers. This intern program for 20 first-year Indiana teachers extends teacher education into the first year of…

The author provides a historical perspective on Blacks as teachers and reviews current trends. Several reasons for the declining enrollment of Blacks in teacher education programs are discussed and possible solutions focusing on recruiting and retaining Black teachers are provided. Increased funding is also suggested. (CH)

During a walk, an outdoor education teacher reflects on the status of outdoor education in Ottawa (Canada) and importance of maintaining a close relationship with nature. He looks for signs of an old log home site, observes a hawk's flight, discovers remains of a plastic bag in an owl pellet, and realizes that everyone is working on survival. (LP)

Analysis of survey data describing the demographic characteristics and attitudes of foreign language teachers affiliated with a state professional organization revealed that there are only very limited inservice training opportunities, there is a limited scope of foreign language programs, and a substantial number of teachers may leave the field…

A survey of 2,500 teachers entering a large urban school district over the last 7 years showed that alternatively certified teachers were as likely as traditional, university-certified teachers to remain in the profession and pay back the school district's initial investment in teacher training. Many become committed to teaching as a meaningful…

This paper reviews 12 studies of special education teacher attrition, concluding that research-based models for improving the retention of special education teachers do not exist. Guidelines for a research agenda to identify variables that influence the attrition of special education teachers are offered. (DB)

A survey of 27 agriculture, 13 biotechnology, and 44 health occupations teachers found that fewer than half experienced adequate materials, facilities, and continuing education reimbursement during induction. Better retention strategies matching teachers' stages of concern were needed during the first five years of teaching. (SK)

A study involving 887 urban special educators investigated factors that lead to attrition and retention and found several critical factors to consider to increase retention and commitment. A leading negative factor was stress due to job design. Perceived support by principals or other teachers helped alleviate this stress. (Contains references.)…

Using national longitudinal survey data, employs current duration-analysis techniques to examine the first teaching spell for a sample of teachers. Estimates of a proportional hazard model indicate that the length of a teacher's first spell is more responsive to wages than improved teaching conditions. Marriage and fertility variables are also…

Describes a later-entry first grade teacher at a rural school in Indiana, who has continued to teach despite a number of hurdles that would impede many educators. Demonstrates her commitment to the profession and to her school, a commitment which has continued to grow through each career stage. (RS)

Interviewed satisfied elementary teachers to investigate factors related to recruitment and retention. Respondents tended to aspire to teaching for years before beginning their training. Greater understanding of teacher needs and positive attitudes toward teaching influenced recruitment. Attitudes of others influenced retention. The main reasons…