This paper draws on the Western Australian School Effectiveness Study (WASES) to examine school-level factors associated with improved teacher morale as one measure of effective high schools. The 1997 WASES teacher sample included 212 teachers from 28 rural and urban high schools in Western Australia. Data analysis using the Multilevel Linear…

This report examines the relationship between each dimension of organizational climate (supportive principal behavior, directive principal behavior, engaged teacher behavior, frustrated teacher behavior) and the organizational commitment of teachers in Turkish public schools. Data were collected from 900 educators in 40 public high schools.…

Structural reforms in New Zealand attempted to remove teacher unions from any policy role, and these reforms sought to remove the unions from any involvement in education policy. Ten years later, in spite of a highly charged media campaign and the active anti-unionism of the industrial legislation, teachers still have an important voice in…

Article presents court cases and decisions concerning the right of teachers to speak freely on educational matters. (RK)

A study identified the extent of burnout among 359 teachers and examined to what extent burnout could be associated with the teachers' somatic complaints and physical illnesses. Since burnout represents a considerable health risk, school health personnel should provide teachers with information and skills to deal with occupational stress.…

Teachers are facing political pressure from both the left and the right regarding their right to choose appropriate instructional materials. The experiences of several teachers who have been involved in censorship arguments are reported. A checklist of items concerning school policies and public relations activities to counter censorship is…

Burnout occurs when teachers are exposed to chronic stress without sufficient compensatory relaxation. Symptoms of burnout include physical, emotional, and attitudinal difficulties. Coping strategies for teachers include self-help groups and professional counseling. (JN)

In 1965, 126 new teachers were studied for psychological, biographical, and educational variables. In 1967, 1972, and 1977, they were surveyed on their satisfaction with teaching and rated for teaching ability. Overall trends and the ability of the 1965 data to predict 1977 teaching success and satisfaction are considered. (SJL)

Results showed no significant difference in the morale scores of older rural adults living with children (N=97) and those in other arrangements (N=243) when health was controlled. However, more than twice as much variance in morale scores could be explained for parents in child-shared housing as for other parents. (Author)

Identified and compared the seriousness of problems reported by beginning and experienced business education teachers in small and large schools. Both groups identified instructional problems concerning student characteristics as most serious. First-year teachers indicated greater concern about instructional media and methods problems. Also noted…

Identifies the general characteristics of teacher centers that emerged from analysis of a survey of teachers involved in professional development through teacher centers. (RL)

External pressures create role demands that may leave counselors feeling "burned out." Professional perspective can be maintained by working with counseling clients, associating with concerned colleagues, and being committed to a counseling theory. Counselors must evaluate themselves and their role, and remain optimistic. (JAC)

A description is given of some of the conditions surrounding schooling and education today which result in more stress for teachers and others directly involved with education. Working definitions of key terms pertaining to stress and teacher burnout are presented along with a general breakdown of some sources of stress. (JD)

Effective staff development programs are the primary vehicle for improving schools and increasing student learning. Such programs would be school-based, be designed to meet the needs of both school and staff, use both internal and external resources, and be shaped by the needs of the participants at the school site. (JN)

Advocates teachers' use of personal writing for both personal and professional well being. (RL)