There will be a need for many newly hired teachers in the United States over the next 10 years as large numbers of teachers are expected to retire and enrollments are expected to increase. This report examines the problem using an algebraic model with no econometric analysis. It uses age-specific continuation rates of teachers from several…

The involuntary release of about 100 tenured faculty at Michigan State University in 1981 was avoided through implementation of a plan of financial incentives for early faculty retirement. The plan is explained from the viewpoint of its author, with colleague comments included. (MSE)

Problems faced by a TIAA-CREF annuitant retiring in the late 1970s are examined in light of a continuing high rate of inflation. Options available to the annuitant are discussed and two strategies to provide significant inflation protection are suggested. (SF)

Discusses the New Faculty Orientation (NFO) program developed at St. Louis Community College, Missouri. Reports that about 35% of the college's 430 full-time faculty retired between 1999 and 2002, and the trend is expected to continue. Describes the NFO as a yearlong program that includes an intensive week of activities and the completion of a…

A projection based on 1984-85 data on University of California medical school faculty suggests that the impact of delaying faculty retirement by several years would be minimal. It is recommended that academic institutions pay more attention to maintaining faculty vitality and productivity regardless of age. (Author/MSE)

Presents guidelines for colleges on selecting employee health insurance carriers and retirement investment programs. Reviews types of insurance programs, presenting examples from several states. Discusses mechanisms for reducing insurance premiums, including claim reduction, self-funding, mail-order pharmaceuticals, and forming consortia with…

Analysis of the national demographics of medical school faculty found a substantial drop in growth rate of full-time faculty since 1972 and little change in retirement patterns after the 1982 rise in mandatory retirement age. The uncapping of mandatory retirement age is seen as having little effect in medical education. (Author/MSE)

Discusses a projected critical under supply of Ph.D. level professors. Describes and ranks eight categories of people who may be considered as colleges attempt to fill vacant positions. Recommends vigorous selection and training of new Ph.D.s and full-time employment of competent researchers and teachers. (SG)

Discusses a perceived lack of concern for retired teachers among former students and the community at large. Provides examples and excerpts from letters describing loneliness and financial difficulties among retired teachers in the Soviet Union. Urges respect and concern for those who have given everything for their profession, often at the…

A survey of 56 colleges investigated how the institutions approach planning for staffing and the significance given such factors as abolition of mandatory retirement, tenure ratios, faculty retirements, faculty hiring and supply and demand, and related issues. Specific concerns emerged, and findings did not consistently bear out previous research.…

Given the right incentives, many college faculty will retire early. With mandatory retirement of tenured faculty soon to be abolished, institutions may need to revamp their pension plans and introduce voluntary retirement-incentive options. These options include phased- and full-retirement programs. (Author/MSE)

Asa Hilliard describes how model teaching programs (like Project SEED), mentoring, and improved teacher recruitment can inspire new teachers to realize how good teaching can be. It is crucial for teachers to develop a deep knowledge about the subjects they love, because they will be eager to share what they have learned with students. (MLH)

Presents an interview with Theodore R. Sarbin, a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Focuses on his work with narrative psychology and role theory, how he developed his research interests, and his book entitled "Believed-In Imaginings: The Narrative Construction of Reality." (CMK)

Examined three aspects of teacher identity (representation, preparation, and dedication) as barriers to collaboration. Oral histories of retired teachers revealed how teacher interpretations of professional identity had underlying assumptions and normative beliefs shaped by biography. When assumptions and beliefs were not acknowledged by…

A program in rural Alberta (Canada) used retired teachers to mentor beginning teachers. Surveys and interviews with 24 proteges and 21 mentors indicated that the recruitment of experienced mentors, the provision of money, the establishment of a sense of community, and the provision of time for reflection all contributed to the program's success.…