A strong relationship between staff morale and quality of reference service is suggested by this preliminary study of 37 public library reference department staff members, with further study recommended. Other factors studied included rapport with unit heads, patron relations, group cohesion, and work environment. (53 references) (EAM)

Notes that the 1980s in Great Britain have been a period for criticism of teachers and education engendered by various reports and studies. Suggests that an examination of output variables on teacher education courses will answer vital concerns on teacher effectiveness. Examines the dual problems of effective teacher education and the loss of…

Surveys 37 science education graduates from 1977 through 1983 who had not taught or had taught but left. Reports the responses of the graduates on 19 questions and follow-up interviews designed to determine why they did not teach or why they left. Low salary, lack of respect, and lack of professionalism are cited as the major reasons. (YP)

An exploratory teacher health and wellness program at a university elementary schools offers a nutrition and diet course, exercise equipment in the teachers' lounge, more healthful snacks, fewer lunchtime meetings, and increased administrative sensitivity to teachers' working conditions and personal lives. (CB)

This research investigates the leadership behavior of principals and the personal characteristics of teachers as both are related to elementary teachers' professional zone of acceptance. Data from 46 elementary schools support the hypothesis that a principal's leadership style combining both structure and consideration encourages cooperation by…

The belief that attitude is the essence of learning is central to the philosophy in Duval County (Florida) schools. Principals are chosen based on enthusiasm and positive communications with staff members and community, and as staff and community pride in the schools has increased, so has academic performance. (TE)

Presents results of a survey that examined what project management team members enjoyed most in recent projects. Ideas are summarized in a checklist for project management that provides guidelines in four areas: project planning, internal and external communication, personal qualities, and morale. (SLW)

The reversals (including two harrowing racial incidents) confronting Ben Canada on the way to becoming Atlanta's chief educator have strengthened his convictions. Despite numerous achievements, he was bounced from Jackson (Mississippi) Schools over a school-prayer fiasco. In Atlanta, he has dealt with a school closing situation and now faces…

Describes restructuring in a Western Australian school district. Provides background information and summarizes findings of a case study exploring what primary teachers thought about the restructuring of their work. The 60 teachers interviewed generally thought the restructuring process negatively influenced their curriculum work. Teachers felt…

Discusses alternatives for dealing with insider theft of rare library materials, including publicizing losses and prosecuting. An example of insider theft is detailed. Ideas for preventing theft, including hiring practices and restricting access to materials, are considered. Suggestions for thinking through procedures to deal with the…

Discusses the importance of military recreation to mission accomplishment in the armed forces, noting the current financial problems faced by many such programs. The article discusses sports, entertainment, arts and crafts, libraries, and outdoor recreation, all of which contribute to readiness, deployment, recruitment, and retention. (SM)

Surveys New Hampshire faculty regarding their perceptions of the importance of and satisfaction with faculty development activities specific to pedagogy. Findings suggest possibly low general faculty priority for pedagogy, greater interest in teaching improvement by younger and mid-career faculty, differing views from faculty and administrators,…

Identifies two types of tasks performed by English primary school head teachers and their accompanying rewards: work to keep the school running provides little satisfaction; and work that shapes the school provides transient satisfaction. Argues that government reforms have increased the former type of work at the expense of the latter. (DSK)

Compares the policies of inspection in Finland and England where the former promotes school self-evaluation and the latter utilizes the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). Finds that OFSTED inspections affect teacher morale and focus on policies and procedures; in Finland, inspections lack a whole-school strategy but encourage changes in…

A teacher's attitude--whether good or bad--trickles down to the students. According to Tom Carroll, who serves in the capacity of president of the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, there is no teacher shortage but a horrendous turnover and attrition problem. Teachers who are leaving are constantly being replaced. The conditions…