Outlines China's 1985 educational reforms, and the political and economic factors behind them. Examines the impact on the school system, on higher education, and on teachers of reforms such as nine years' compulsory education, rapid introduction of technical and vocational training, and greater institutional autonomy. Contains 37 references. (SV)

Results are reported from an experimental study in which 114 teachers' reactions to recruitment interviews were analyzed. The reactions of teachers were influenced more by the nonpecuniary aspects of the work environment than by either the pecuniary aspects or the work requirements and expectations. (IAH)

An exploration of the assumptions, implications, and consequences of eight Wisconsin experimental projects concerned with creating career ladders and teacher incentive programs suggests that the reforms resulting from the projects intensify the work of teaching rather than redefine its conditions to make them more intellectually and socially…

Reports on a study of occupational stress among 30 American Indian, Hispanic, and White teachers at a reservation school. Concludes that, regardless of race or sex, major sources of stress were inadequate salary, lack of professional recognition, and time management problems. Contains 22 references. (SV)

The National Child Care Staffing Study explores the effect of teachers and teaching conditions on the caliber of center-based child care in the United States. The study raises concerns about the quality of services children receive, the education of staff, the work environment, low teachers' wages, and staff turnover. (BB)

A discussion of how teacher educators must respond to the sociological issues beyond everyday work that affect teachers' attitudes, dispositions, and socialization in the workplace covers: professional and traditional teacher styles; experienced teachers' attitudes of conservatism, presentism, or individualism; job ambiguities and conflicts;…

The article traces the path of change, over several years, in school culture through a school district's five-year Human Resource Development Program, presents formative evaluation data, reveals critical change decisions, and speculates on what might have been done differently. (CB)

This study of teacher burnout focused on both individual and environmental factors believed to be implicated. Results suggest that individual variables of internal rewards and teaching efficacy and environmental characteristics, such as organizational rigidity and support from principal and peers, were strongly implicated in teacher burnout. (JD)

Presents a brief overview of the history of the first early childhood teachers in the United States. Describes the circumstances under which colonial America's dame schools were created and run. Sketches a typical day in a dame school and delineates dame school teachers' qualifications and methods. Closes with the story of how the signing of…

Examines educational reforms adopted by the Soviet government in 1983-84 that provide for enrollment of six year olds in primary school, universal vocational training for secondary school students, and improvements in curricular content and teacher performance. Discusses the structure of the Soviet school system, inherent administrative problems,…

Discusses the problem of school safety and classroom disruption resulting from a few students' acts and threats of violence, and offers advice on how to deal with it. The article reviews how these disruptions harm other students' education and addresses administrative roadblocks and legal problems in curbing student violence and bad behavior. (GR)

Examines strategies for teaching sociology in an international setting using London as an example. Focuses on ways for faculty to integrate resources of a city in another culture into the overseas study curriculum. Discusses shaping courses to fit an international setting, anticipatory socialization of students, and support for faculty. (DK)

Excerpts from interviews are frequently used in this discussion of teachers' reactions to children with gay or lesbian parents and administrators' efforts to ensure that such children are accepted in their schools. Offers possible teacher responses to questions of children with gay or lesbian parents. (BB)

Because teachers teach who they are, teacher formation should encourage them to become whole by developing into wise, mature, competent, and humane adults. Training programs that focus on "teaching" teachers and the isolation and constraints of the teaching experience itself inhibit teachers from becoming whole human beings. (LP)

Surveys of teachers in comprehensive public secondary schools in England, the United States, Japan, Singapore, and West Germany, 1986-88, identified universal elements of classroom culture and country-specific factors that enhance teacher job satisfaction. However, most teachers in all samples felt powerless and of low professional status. (SV)