Given the outside pressures of layoffs, inflation, and public criticism, many teachers are turning to the specifics of teaching for release. Talking with one's students, developing humor in the classroom, experimenting with a slower pace of life, and thinking about self-sufficiency can lead to renewed energy and interest. (Author/SJL)

A former teacher recounts her reasons for leaving the profession. (IRT)

In response to an article on teacher burnout, the author explains why she remains in teaching. (IRT)

Contrary to an earlier report, this study showed that life satisfaction of 56 institutionalized elderly women was associated with internality. Satisfaction was inversely related to their perception of institutional constraints, its most powerful determinant. (Author)

Assesses the relationship between informal activity with friends and morale among a sample of Black and White elderly. Results indicated that informal activity with friends has a significant relationship with morale among White elderly, but not among Blacks. (Author)

Presents ideas to counteract teacher burnout and sagging teacher morale based on the attitudes of characters in the television show M*A*S*H. (CM)

Within the literature, a negative stereotype of "old" has been emphasized which, it has been argued, is important for self-concept in late life. This paper questions the validity of this argument and presents an alternative model more congruent with extant data. (Author)

Although there is no way to keep all teachers in a school happy, it is possible to maintain morale by avoiding conflict. This article distinguishes among types of conflict (episodic, continuous, and terminal) and describes four conflict situations involving personal feuding, persecution by superiors, cooperation breakdowns, and ideological…

This study involved 530 nursing staff working in 25 for-profit and nonprofit nursing homes, 2 of which failed to meet residential care standards. Nursing home climate in failed homes was perceived as being significantly lower in human relations and higher in laissez-faire and status orientation dimensions that the climate in the successful homes.…

Too many leaders depend on the organization's formal processes to recognize people who have given outstanding performance or served beyond duty's call. One superintendent honors superlative staff accomplishments (or endurance of tough circumstances) by designing personalized awards for presentation at board meetings or other public functions. (MLH)

Examined gender differences in adjustment to retirement. Conducted pretest interview with 250 people at time of retirement, posttest interview of 242 retirees 6 months after retirement, and 1-year followup of 222 retirees. Found significant main effect for time for all three adjustment variables (well-being, morale, satisfaction), with well-being…

Criticizes Herbert K. Heger's article in the same issue of the journal. Argues that Heger's analysis and suggestions for solving the serious problem of teacher burnout are inadequate. Proposes changes in workplace environment and administrative support as solutions. (HB)

Describes a lengthy list of excuses used regularly by some teachers to justify the poor results of their own teaching. Criticizes the attitudes of incompetent teachers who are willing to blame anything for their failures except themselves. (HB)

Learning names is vital to the enjoyment and productivity of a group. Presents four games to help campers learn each others' names. Sidebar presents three additional teambuilding activities and ice breakers. (TD)

While the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, President Bush's reauthorization of President Lyndon Johnson's Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, is not a cause for daily unhappiness, it is still capable of taking its toll on staff morale. Teachers are working harder than they have ever worked in the past, yet even as they see their…