ERIC Number: ED237499
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Mar
Pages: 95
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Improving the Attractiveness of the K-12 Teaching Profession in California.
Smith, Sandra; And Others
This publication analyzes the current status of the teaching profession in California, emphasizing what makes it attractive and satisfying or discouraging to teachers. Important trends in public attitudes about the teaching profession are explored, as well as teachers' perspectives on recruitment and retention. Among the serious problems noted were comparatively low salaries, uncertain job security, and public and media attacks on the profession. Also noted were school problems which affected teacher morale--student attitudes and behavior, shortened school days and years, and decreasing autonomy and advancement opportunities. Two conclusions are drawn: (1) Just holding still, or maintaining the profession's appeal at its current limited level, will require significant effort; and (2) Any real improvement in the attractiveness of the profession will require major efforts to redesign teachers' career patterns. Recommendations include: (1) higher salaries; (2) differential pay; (3) loans/fellowships; (4) more job security; (5) better public relations; (6) more supportive school environment; (7) tougher entry and renewal standards; (8) more flexible career ladders; (9) a master teachers corps; and (10) more teacher autonomy. A 16-page bibliography is included. (JD)
Descriptors: Administrator Attitudes, Career Ladders, Educational Attitudes, Educational Change, Educational Trends, Elementary Secondary Education, Professional Recognition, Teacher Education, Teacher Persistence, Teacher Qualifications, Teacher Recruitment, Teacher Salaries, Teacher Supply and Demand, Teaching (Occupation)
Bureau of Publications Sales, California State Department of Education, P. O. Box 271, Sacramento, CA 95802 ($3.25).
Publication Type: Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento.
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A