Virginia Richardson, professor and former chair of Educational Studies at the University of Michigan, has recently been recognized for her contributions to teacher education with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). She has previously served as Vice President of Division K for the…

This paper summarizes lessons learned from studies of preservice education and inservice programs of family and community involvement. The research and interventions suggest that a chain of professional development events is needed to prepare educators to conduct and sustain effective programs of school, family, and community partnerships. This…

Teachers often resist the label of "leader" and the hierarchical structures that the idea of leader conjures, yet they continue to engage in leadership enactment. This article describes an alternative conception of teacher leadership--"practical leadership"--embodied by leadership enactment through local deliberation and action. This notion is…

Recently developed Professional Development School standards underscore the importance of professional learning community, inquiry, shared decision-making and a focus on student learning. These standards closely mirror the goals of "Critical Friends Groups," a significant movement in education to improve student achievement through teacher…

This study describes a program at an urban public college that recruits non-education majors into teaching. The "Teaching Scholars Initiative" pays college students, in particular in the areas of mathematics and science, to work in high need New York City classrooms to assist teachers and their students, and gives these college students meaningful…

In this article, the author identifies two current--and competing--discourses concerning teaching and public education in general. One is the "official" discourse, embodied in "No Child Left Behind" language, with a focus on accountability, standards, credentials, and testing, accompanied by punitive measures for failing to live up to these. The…

This article discusses teacher burnout which scholars define as a condition caused by depersonalization, exhaustion, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. A psychological model of how stress leads to burnout describes it as a syndrome resulting from teachers' inability to protect themselves against threats to their self esteem and well-being.…

This paper reviews the research literature on new teacher mentoring, focusing on issues of definition, why teachers quit, and the effects of mentoring on retention. Conclusions call for more scientific studies on the relationship between mentoring and retention, more research on the relation between mentoring and other educational outcomes, and a…

What role does Professional Development School preparation play in teacher retention? We surveyed PDS and non-PDS graduates of five school-university partnerships to investigate preparation for teaching, employment, proficiency, efficacy, and participation in professional activities. Retention rates were 79% or above, with higher PDS than non-PDS…

On one side, pure horror at catastrophe, the work of human beings or nature alone; on the other side, speechlessness, an apathy of powerlessness. Lured by the media, educators become spectators of multiple tragedies, distanced, unable to grasp others' pain. How do they deal with the crumbling of the taken-for-granted, of the reliable and…

Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we studied a large sample of our 2002-2003 preservice students to see how they were selected and how they fared in the program. Our research suggested that a key component of a preservice admissions process is to look for evidence that applicants possess qualities important for strong teaching; in our…

Discusses the role of vocational education in fostering the entrepreneurship developmental process. Indicates the need for a definition and a philosophy of entrepreneurship education and a consideration of the role of the marketing and distributive education staff in infusing it into the vocational program. (JOW)

Discusses the use of quality circles in vocational education as a preparation for students entering the world of work. (Marketing and Distributive Education Association, 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 22091) (JOW)

Because of advances in technology, marketing and distributive education (MDE) programs will change dramatically. MDE must remain in close touch with the business community so that the changes occurring there can be reflected in the MDE programs. (Marketing and Distributive Education Association, 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 22091) (JOW)