Teacher numbers are dwindling in schools and districts across the United States as many leave the profession and the popularity of teacher education programs wanes. As a result, the most qualified candidates can choose from an array of professional options. How do you make sure they will want to commit to your school? In "Make Your School…

Every student should have access to excellent, well-prepared, and well-supported educators who reflect the diversity of our nation. Research repeatedly indicates that teachers are the most important in-school factor for student success. Research also highlights the critical role of school leaders in retaining and supporting teachers to maximize…

Enhanced and updated, this Fourth Edition of Richard E. Smith's highly successful text examines the growing role of the principal in planning, hiring, staff development, supervision, and other human resource functions. The Fourth Edition includes new sections on ethics, induction, and the role of the mentor teacher. This edition also introduces…

Many beginning teachers leave the profession after only 2 years. In an effort to help beginning teachers succeed, the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP) was created to combat unforseen difficulties. The main difficulties are environmental in nature: (1) difficult work assignments; (2) unclear expectations; (3) inadequate resources; (4)…

A principal can provide support for beginning teachers by gaining specific knowledge of each teacher's curriculum, by developing rapport, and by encouraging teachers in seven key areas. Rapport is built with friendly, solicitous behavior and a lot of listening; it can be destroyed by too much criticism, insensitivity, and aloofness. A principal…

The successful orientation of new university professors has benefits for both the new professor and the university. For the faculty member, benefits of rapid orientation to the new position involve greater control of the factors that cause stress to professors, more rapid pursuit of the contributions that lead to future promotion and tenure, and…

This article describes procedures and materials developed for substitute teachers working in a learning disabilities resource room, including: policy information; schedules; specific student information; classroom procedures; daily plans; and additional or alternative activities. (CB)

A school's improved substitute teacher program provided competent teachers and maintained a stable learning environment. Strategies included aggressive recruitment, training workshops, a program coordinator, information about each classroom, a handbook of suggestions, substitutes' attendance at faculty meetings, holding students accountable for…

This book explores the reasons that beginning teachers struggle and provides research-based plans for helping them make the most of their initial teaching years. It proposes Beginning Teacher Assistance Programs (BTAPs) as a practical strategy for success. BTAPs draw on the knowledge and expertise of teachers, principals, central office…

The North Carolina Quality Assurance Program extended the preparation of teachers to a period of six years and changed the certification procedures for educational personnel. Four years of formal study are required at the preservice level in an approved program. The program leading to the initial certificate includes completion of the bachelor's…

Comparison of videotapes of inexperienced and established junior high school teachers on their first, second, tenth, and twenty-eighth days of school provided insight into student needs and the teacher behaviors that set the stage for instructional success. Teacher supervisors can use such videotapes to help orient new teachers. (PGD)

As all educators face the pressures of accountability, it has become more important to hire effective teachers skilled at fostering outstanding academic achievement. This book is designed to provide both school administrators and teachers with information and inspiration about what goes into being an effective teacher. Chapter 1 describes a…

This collection of articles gathers reprinted materials on teacher attraction and retention for small and rural school districts. The material is organized in two sections: (1) Attracting and Retaining Quality Teachers and (2) Challenging and Enriching Current Staff. Reprints from a number of publications present strategies for addressing the…

Between 1986 and 1989, The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, increased its proportion of faculty of color from 11 percent to 20 percent. This was accomplished by reorganizing the college's approach to faculty hiring and retention. Keys to hiring success involved institutional commitment, utilization of inside resources, being…

Recruitment and retention of special education teachers and related services staff have been persistent problems of rural school districts nationwide. High teacher attrition rates have serious ramifications for personnel development and program stability. Effective recruitment strategies for rural areas have four main components: (1) emphasis on…