In this article, the author's share some ways that voters--and specifically educators--can advocate for their views on an ongoing basis and make those views known to the elected officials who make decisions that directly affect teachers. These policymakers generally are not educators by training and, consequently, lack the in-depth knowledge…

Suggests that mentoring shows great promise and proven results in supporting new teachers, describing the successful Beginning Teacher Assistance Program at the University of Wisconsin River Falls and examining: what makes mentoring work, the importance of commitment to the theory of mentoring, benefits for mentees, overcoming obstacles to…

A U.S. Department of Education grant helped Alabama State University's education students learn to integrate technology in the classroom. Developed by a consortium involving the university, two high schools, and an elementary school (which served predominantly minority students), the grant provided training and gave participants take-home laptop…

Describes how curriculum integration can help art enhance learning during times when the arts may be considered dispensable and removed from education, presenting examples of how classroom teachers have examined art as a link to expanded understanding of history, science, math, reading, current events, geography, cultural studies, emotions,…

Asserts that arts can be catalysts for learning and should be a basic part of students' education, describing the traditional school as factory model of education versus school as studio, which uses the arts as a vehicle for curriculum. The paper examines the status of arts education, discusses alternative paths to reform that acknowledge arts as…

Asserts that art is not an impractical "break" from serious learning but rather an essential part of that learning, focusing on the art classroom's traditional status as a refuge, the importance of accountability in art education, and benefits for classroom teachers. The paper explains that accountability does not mean the end of the art classroom…

Teachers can use arts standards as a tool to determine what is important to teach and learn. Recent federal legislation places the arts on the same level as other academic subjects. Professional organizations are beginning to develop standards for art teacher preparation. The paper examines 12 standards for art teacher education developed at the…

Presents five key elements of school improvement: effective leadership, teachers at the center of improvement, shared outcomes, action research as staff development, and continuous assessment. These five elements recognize the central role of teachers in lasting school improvement. They can help unlock the full potential of educators so they can…

Proposes four ways to help teachers truly develop as educators, including: peer coaching to gain and develop knowledge and skills; collaborative teaching for daily practice and feedback; and parent and student questionnaires and videotaping of teachers at work to help evaluate personal teaching performance. (SM)

Using the Professional Circle model, teachers can move from isolation to collaboration while pursuing goals with others who share similar interests. A Professional Circle offers teachers continued motivation, acknowledgment, and support of self- development efforts. Presents guidelines for developing a Professional Circle, describing the…

Describes the design and implementation of Professional Development School partnerships between a university and three urban public schools intended to prepare future teachers for tomorrow's diverse students. Explains how the partnership initiated, built, and enhanced relationships and notes common elements found among the three schools (shared…

The trend toward teacher participation in policy making is the result of good practice and research over many years. Classic, bureaucratic approaches to making decisions are being replaced by collaborative efforts. There are rules to determine appropriate circumstances for encouraging teacher participation. Determining how and when to involve…

When teachers are directly involved in policy decisions, they are more likely to support them. Teachers can seek out multiple, practical opportunities to contribute to this process. Some avenues that teachers can take to impact policy decisions include curriculum planning and integration, school-based management, internal evaluation, computer…

Describes math anxiety, explaining roadblocks to mathematics success; discussing strategies for overcoming anxiety (e.g., parent involvement, teacher sensitivity, and peer tutoring); and examining the influence of learning styles on mathematics achievement and attitudes. Mathematics teachers must identify students' problems in mathematics, work…

Describes a series of four professional development workshops designed to help novice teachers cope with stress. The workshops focus on four approaches: effective use of networking and building of support systems; strategies for relaxation and making time for oneself; management of paperwork and other tasks; and a step-by-step problem solving…