Describes a two year pilot program which made a significant step toward improving academics, morale, and student/parent involvement which helped a Florida junior high school earn national recognition. (MD)

A Massachusetts school faced with low teacher and student morale as a result of severe budget cuts initiated a year-long competitive program to improve school morale. The program was successful and virtually cost-free. (MD)

Teachers often cite stress as a reason for leaving the teaching profession. Stress does not have to be a negative factor. Discusses ways that principals can use their leadership skills to make stress a positive force. Includes five references. (Author/MD)

The author judges merit pay an ineffective reward for teachers' hard work and success, citing two fundamental problems: first, the objectivity of the person determining merit is always suspect; second, contrary to its intention, merit pay "demotivates" teachers and causes morale problems. (MJL)

Author takes a hard look at certain facets of contemporary American society and challenges educators to throw their weight on the side of the eternal verities.'' (Editor)

Reports the results of a study that showed that a steady increase in teachers' negative perceptions of school climate was correlated with increased teaching experience. (JM)

The traditional theory of motivation that equates motivation with certain incentives is too simplistic. The people and situations involved must be taken into account. Describes a plan with five contingency factors that should be recognized. (Author/MD)

Principals' goals of a highly motivated faculty and and effective school are not mutually exclusive. Evidence from an organizational study indicates that adherence to agreed-upon values accompanied by encouragement of individual autonomy promotes high morale among employees. (14 references) (CJH)

This article presents major conclusions of several studies of teacher morale and points out the implications for school administrators. (Editor/CB)

To reduce the psychological and economic costs of downsizing, school administrators need planning and procedural guidelines. Administrators should have clear reduction-in-force policies, performance standards, employee development guidelines, and alternatives to layoffs. In the layoff mode, administrators should give careful consideration to those…

To promote academic excellence and active teacher involvement, secondary school principals must advocate the "all students can learn" philosophy, focus on supervising instruction through classroom observation, understand and apply conferencing and coaching techniques to instructional improvement, and encourage decisions fostering greater…

Principals can play an important role in the interpersonal relationships within a school building by exploring and assessing issues regarding cause and effect of the anxiety, stress, and tension that exist among personnel. (Author/MLF)

Article considered the relationship between assistant principals and the organizational climate of schools. (RK)

To help establish clear, comprehensive communication channels with the school community, principals must recognize the primary dangers to good communication and periodically conduct teacher polls or surveys depicting the human realities of the school organization. Such surveys will not explain or improve low morale, but can serve as a springboard…

Outlines an innovative district-wide staff development program that improved morale, lessened the teacher burnout rate, and saved the district money. (MD)