When teachers discuss different types of heroes in the classroom, they allow their students to meet powerful new role models. The article discusses how teachers can get students thinking about what makes a hero and in the process, teach them about historical figures, social issues, and current events. (SM)

Concern over low student achievement led to creation of a community-based Maryland mentoring program for at-risk African-American students. Mentoring was successfully used for teaching and coaching, strengthening racial harmony, promoting social change, ensuring equal education, and creating opportunities for personal empowerment. By portraying…

Eastern Michigan University offers a faculty development program in which featured faculty members in various disciplines may be observed. Faculty are selected on the basis of high student evaluations, recommendations of deans and department heads, and their own interest and availability. Observers find the classroom visits and subsequent…

This article examines different manifestations of verbal talent and how teachers can identify and cultivate special verbal abilities in students. The provision of role models relevant to students' interests is stressed and a list of recommended biographies is included, as are literary experiences available to student writers. The relationship of…

During December 1993 and January 1994, the Gallup Organization conducted the National Youth Survey: Attitudes Regarding Society, Education, and Adulthood. Based on telephone interviews with a sample of 630 children and teenagers, aged 10 to 17, the survey reveals optimistic attitudes, yet an emerging seriousness of purpose and waning of confidence…

The goal of a bias-free classroom can be achieved through (1) flexible, unbiased curriculum with supporting materials that enhance diversity; (2) teacher attitudes that reflect sensitivity to other cultures; and (3) personal style and delivery that provide a role model of acceptance and belief in the value of cultural diversity. (SK)

Principals who are transformative leaders consistently use three building blocks to promote school success: a clear, unified purpose; a common cultural perspective; and a constant push for improvement. In one study, an opinionated, assertive middle school principal; a nurturing, supportive principal; and a high-energy, charismatic principal all…

Examines some of the challenges faced by black women faculty--particularly isolation, professional development, and internal conflict--and considers some ways of dealing with them. Recommendations for dealing with challenges include increasing number of available black female role models, establishing mentoring relationships, and working toward…

As the student body grows more heterogeneous, white women continue to dominate the teaching profession. Disparity between teacher/student demographic profiles is of growing concern. Although not all studies find clear connections among teacher and student racial/ethnic backgrounds and student achievement, minority role models are needed. (MLH)

Examines responses of K-12 students about their conception of heroes. Shows that all students employ an operational definition of hero, and tend to name someone whom they personally know. Identifies an increasing concentration on sustained behavior over a period of time for choosing a hero as students become older. (DSK)

Investigates the influence of 17 factors on high school students' attitudes toward women in science. Finds that females who have high science ability and who plan to complete high levels of education and have career interests in science, showed favorable attitudes toward women in science; however, males with low science ability, no plans to…

Discusses whether white male teachers can be positive role models for at-risk black male youth and concludes that they can if they are men of integrity who are willing to take on the risks associated with being a dedicated teacher. (SLD)

Emphasizes the importance of teaching elementary students performance and audience etiquette through example and repetition. Contends that elementary music teachers can educate their students about certain "ground rules" for social conduct through basic standards for students when in the role of performer and audience member. (CMK)

Considers the importance of mentoring in physical, chemical, and social sciences research. Discusses the mentoring program of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) which focuses on helping women and minority scientists. Describes mentoring as "typically an asymmetrical power relation but it is not entirely unidimensional in flow of sources."…

Creativity requires application and balancing of three abilities--the synthetic, the analytic, and the practical. Teachers should serve as creativity role models, encourage questioning of assumptions, allow mistakes, encourage sensible risk taking, design creative assignments and assessments, let students define problems, and reward creative ideas…