Colorado school librarians are in the midst of a crisis. According to a 2009-2010 survey of public schools in Colorado, just 23% of elementary schools have an endorsed librarian, while 37% of middle schools and 32% of high schools report having an endorsed librarian. This report also shows how these percentages have dropped in just a two-year…

The student services profession was designed to create a commitment to the "whole student" and as such, the professionals who serve in this profession recognize the importance of this complex relationship. A review of the literature revealed that student services professionals are unsung professionals who generally feel a sense of calling to their…

This paper discusses the compulsory professional development (CPD) needs of mentors within post-compulsory Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision in England. The discussion applies the ideas of Weber, Foucault, Habermas and Bourdieu in interpreting the implications for post-compulsory ITT mentor CPD training. The paper's primary and secondary…

Addresses the concept of mentoring as a career enhancement strategy for women. Discusses networking-mentoring, characterized by a series of contacts between people in which each plays the role of mentor and protege at different times and to different degrees; and grooming-mentoring, the special assistance provided by a more experienced…

This paper explores the possible measurable effects of mentors (major professors) on the subsequent productivity of the mentor's students. Also asked is whether there are benefits to the productive scientist who acts as a mentor. Analysis is based on a population of male biochemists (N=66) who obtained their doctorates in 1957, 1958, 1962, and…

The consequences of poorly planned or random professional development for teachers in the early to mid career cycle are serious. Without input from knowledgeable mentors or supervisors, these teachers can flail about professionally. Without the benefit of individualized staff development plans, they may perpetuate ineffective teaching practices or…

This study developed a descriptive profile of female presidents of selected four-year independent colleges by examining their career paths, mentor relationships, professional development and background, and institutional characteristics, as well as any hindrances that had impacted their ascent to the presidency. A 49-item questionnaire mailed to…

Maintains that many of the professional development skills needed to survive and prosper in academia are learned through contacts and activities within professional organizations. Describes a workshop given to graduate students to promote membership in these organizations. Includes a list of 25 professional organizations in sociology. (MJP)

Includes four articles that address issues concerning the professional growth and development of school librarians. Highlights include lifelong professional development; mentoring; career development through professional involvement; publishing for recognition and professional growth; professional reading; continuing education; vendors;…

Educational, professional, and personal factors considered by prolific scholars as important in their high productivity were identified, along with work setting influences. Scholars were selected based on: the number of their periodical entries in selected journals during 1979-1983; nominations from knowledgeable sources such as journal editors;…

Every year, more than 15,000 teachers vie for the chance to become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Although the process is voluntary, National Board Certification is a widely recognized mark of distinction and is increasingly tied to leadership opportunities for teachers, salary increases, and improved student…

A research and theory-based model proposed for the professional preparation and induction of vocational teachers suggests a collaborative problem-solving effort that would use a clinical approach to preservice preparation. Beginning teachers report problems not in subject material, but in instructional planning, delivery, and classroom management…

This document contains 35 papers and 4 symposia/poster sessions presented at a Canadian conference on the study of adult education. The following papers are among those included: "Adult Education on the Internet: New Dawn Breaking or Sky Falling?" (Archer); "'Shapeshifting': Negotiating Identity in First Nations Adult…