Identifies social studies education and teaching challenges in the 1980s, including increased demands for student performance and teacher accountability, the need for curricula which copes effectively with an information avalanche, and greater professionalism for all teachers. Journal available from P.O.B. 189, Oviedo, FL 32765. (AM)

The turnover rate for private school teachers may rise as young teachers become dissatisfied with low salaries, limited social life, high demands, and teaching. Private schools can retain teachers by offering incentives such as varied responsibilities, time for professional development, adequate guidance and evaluation, and fringe benefits. (SB)

This article is condensed from the topical kit, "NEA Focus: Class Size--A Critical Factor in Quality Education." It cites research on the effects of class size on classroom environment, pupil attitudes, and teacher morale. It also discusses the politics of class size and the advantages of small classes. (SJL)

A committee of students, faculty, and administration at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine developed a program designed to encourage a climate at the college conducive to maintaining a high morale. The program is described and results of the Medical School Learning Environment Questionnaire are outlined. (MLW)

The author compares the position of a school head to the head of a complex organization, and discusses four sets of circumstances or factors which help to explain the special isolation and anxiety of the school head's job. He concludes with some suggestions to trustees which would make the principal's, or head's, job easier. (KC)

This article outlines the means by which the principal of a school can help the teachers improve their performance, achieve worthy goals, and receive more personal satisfaction in their work and development. (JD)

Provides a literature review and national dataset analyses regarding the perceived conditions of women community college faculty members. Reports that the climate at the average community college may be friendlier than at four-year institutions; however, women faculty at community colleges are not free from the confines of glass ceilings, academic…

Reviews research literature, as well as results from a recent study, to explore the development of a professional identity for community college faculty. Asserts that professional development programs that are focused on teaching and that bring faculty into closer working relationships with one another would contribute to the enhancement of the…

Administered questionnaire to 250 Israeli army personnel to examine 17 variables as potential predictors of organizational commitment. Found 8 variables to be relevant: interesting work, co-workers' attitudes toward the organization, organizational dependency, age, education, employment alternatives, attitudes of family and friends, and importance…

Identifies statistical relationships between teacher morale and student achievement test scores in reading. Suggests teachers' attitudes toward classroom evaluation systems, as well as their perceptions of the functional behaviors of the principal, were the strongest predictors of students' achievements in reading. (RAE)

Examines self-assessment techniques that early childhood teachers can use to avoid "burnout" and rejuvenate their personal and professional lives. Suggests that professional books and articles, personal journals, reflection and other techniques can be used to create a web of self-assessment that allows teachers to better understand their…

This discussion of the need to keep young and talented teachers in teaching describes two projects in which a teacher took risks to create innovative learning activities for gifted intermediate grade students. Characteristics of the young, talented, and motivated teacher at risk of "crucifixion" are outlined. Risk reduction strategies are offered.…

Interviews with 33 midlife college professors identified as seriously disillusioned revealed that the turning points behind their career derailments fit a pattern of events, usually in early career. Successful renewal programs for such faculty members involve them as mentors for new faculty or partners in contracts for change with departmental…

A camp staff member can make his or her work experiences enjoyable by getting enough sleep, maintaining discipline, making job responsibilities a priority, maintaining a sense of humor, eating well, making time to be alone, sharing job-related frustrations with someone outside of camp, being a positive role model, being patient, and resolving…

Efforts to professionalize teaching may increase teachers' commitment, but reforms may not be entirely successful without attention paid to their pedagogical content knowledge. One hypothetical district adopted a career enhancement plan offering curriculum-specialist and teacher-leader opportunities and encouraged teacher collaboration. The…