Not long ago, public education in Ontario, Canada, was in deep trouble. Student achievement was stagnating, labor disruptions were rampant, and public satisfaction with the schools was low. In 2003, a new provincial government initiated a series of reforms that embodied a positive, outcome-focused agenda for public education. Today, student…

A Massachusetts school faced with low teacher and student morale as a result of severe budget cuts initiated a year-long competitive program to improve school morale. The program was successful and virtually cost-free. (MD)

As the United States prepared to enter the Second World War and during the early years of the conflict, Music Educators National Conference (MENC) focused attention on how music educators could support the war effort. The association worked with the federal government and other agencies on a number of national programs. Through its publication,…

This study tested the efficacy of a recently developed industrial theory of work incentives in educational organizations. The investigation necessitated describing the factors which serve as sources of work attachment for educators and discovering if work factors seem of equal or differing importance to teachers who describe themselves as being…

This article advocates the formation of a network of teachers meeting on a regular basis for the sharing of ideas and encouragement; an attempt at such an activity, RAP (Return and Participate) at Indiana University, is described. (JA)

Recounts several comically stressful situations commonly encountered by high school English teachers. (MM)

Recent data on teacher attrition indicate that approximately 15 percent of teachers either leave the profession or move from one school to another each year. The attrition rate is highest for teachers new to the profession with 30-50 percent leaving within five years. High rates of attrition are a contributing cause of various educational problems…

We surveyed 31 prospective employers (65% response rate) regarding their views on character as part of the employment selection process. The results showed character qualities superordinate, relative to skills that prospective employees bring to potential jobs. We discuss survey results in light of business educators' responsibility for helping…

The "Talking Stick" is published bimonthly, six times a year in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and November/December by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International. Each issue is divided into three sections: Features, Columns, and Departments. These sections contain…

Discusses the importance of positive teacher self-concept and self-esteem, including conditions under which they flourish. Briefly highlights 16 strategies that can be used by teachers for healthy development and the promotion of positive self-esteem. (TRS)

Discusses ways of coping with feelings of depression teachers may have and suggests that teacher dispair may be compared with that of U.S. presidents soon after election. (SB)

There is an alarming shortage of qualified teachers in America, and while there are many excellent teachers, we risk losing them to other occupations. Ways to keep and attract good teachers are briefly discussed. Specific recommendations for PTA action are offered. (MT)

Retired men and women (N=229) completed a questionnaire incorporating key variables from the Kuypers and Bengston social reconstruction model. Social reconstruction variables had stronger correlations with morale measures than did demographic variables, and were found to have significant relationships with measures of general happiness and…