The author examines the issues of teacher stress during middle age, and contends that the way teachers cope with stress in this period depends on their view of stress as either a producer of crisis or a promoter of change. (CL)

Ways of handling stress in teaching are suggested, including acknowledging that stress is present, admitting one's own responsibility in creating any conflict or situation bringing about stress, examining more than one possible solution, and seeking help from someone who can actually affect the situation. (CL)

The article emphasizes positive techniques which teachers can use to handle stress. Three major steps are outlined: identifying the problem, facing it, and developing personal or environmental management techniques for meeting and overcoming stress. (CL)

Most retired counselors are financially comfortable and continue to lead happy and productive lives in retirement. Counselors emphasize the need to remain active and stress the importance of planning well in advance of actual retirement. (Author)

Effects of health and income on life satisfaction were analyzed. Financial situation was a slightly stronger predictor of life satisfaction for persons under age 65, whereas health condition had a stronger impact on the life satisfaction of persons over age 64. (Author)

The Armed Forces' Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs make a substantial contribution to the mental readiness and physical fitness of service personnel. An adequate MWR program will have a positive impact on recruitment and retention. (JN)

A description is given of the success of a teacher center managed by the teachers and involving the local community. (JD)

Reasons for teachers' professional and personal disillusionment are explored, and some possible solutions are offered. (LH)

Attempts to provide teachers with greater job satisfaction should not divert attention from the failure on the part of teacher educators to prepare teachers for the reality of schools. (MM)

A variety of instructional methods for preservice amd in-service teacher education, including those utilized by the Church Missionary Society, are described and evaluated. (LH)

Introduces a theme issue that investigates the impact of high-stakes accountability on the context of arts-based school reform, addressing the effects of North Carolina's accountability program on schools participating in an arts-integration initiative piloted in 25 schools when the state raised the stakes of standardized tests. The article…

To reduce the psychological and economic costs of downsizing, school administrators need planning and procedural guidelines. Administrators should have clear reduction-in-force policies, performance standards, employee development guidelines, and alternatives to layoffs. In the layoff mode, administrators should give careful consideration to those…

This article provides background information on stress and presents five strategies intended to help teachers of hearing-impaired students manage their stress levels. Strategies include increasing self-awareness, reducing isolation, restoring perspective and balance, redefining problem situations, and developing and implementing an action plan.…

A teacher reflects on the low status of people in the teaching profession, stressing the need for improved teacher education to improve teacher status. Several hopeful signs (e.g., institutions developing teacher education as a graduate specialty, emphasizing careful work with teachers) indicate teacher education may be gaining more respect. (SM)

Key ingredients in a program for controlling teacher stress and avoiding burnout are: (1) facing the problem; (2) monitoring stress; (3) developing a repertoire of coping strategies, such as learning to relax, changing distress to eustress, and exercising regularly; and (4) cultivating stress hardiness, through commitment, challenge, and control.…