Background: Service-learning has long been identified as a mechanism to augment traditional classroom pedagogies. With the recent increase of preceptor shortages and decreased access to clinical hours for nurse practitioner students, service-learning activities are an innovative way for NP students to gain knowledge and exposure to clinical…

This study examined the current climate of how Virginia CTE teachers perceive their profession and if they are encouraging their students to enter the teaching profession. A survey developed by the National Center for Education Statistics was submitted to CTE teachers in Virginia (n = 743) to address these questions. Descriptive statistics helped…

This study explored the lived experience of a teacher change agent who was identified by her secondary school colleagues as someone who pursued positive changes outside her classroom. In conversations about her experiences, she shared what motivated her, the strategies she used, and the challenges she faced. Findings derived from both quantitative…

This study used path analysis to examine the effects of work-related factors--including principal support, stress, role problems, job satisfaction, and commitment--on 542 Virginia special educators' expressions of intent to stay in teaching. The study concluded that these work-related variables should be included in strategies for retaining…

A Virginia study documented the attitudes and experiences of women in technology education (TE) concerning obstacles to TE as a career choice. Reasons for entering the profession revealed a general enthusiasm for technology teaching. The support network included college professors and advisors, parents, technology teachers, spouse, and…

The qualitative study described in this document presents Virginia teachers' perceptions on 10 factors that influence their work environment: resources/instructional materials; physical facilities/class size; professional development; teacher-teacher interactions; teacher-administrator interactions; teacher-student interactions;…

This study investigated teacher attrition and retention in seven Virginia school divisions representing urban, suburban, and rural localities. Focus group interviews of teachers who stay in their school divisions and telephone interviews of teachers who migrated to another school division or who left the teaching profession revealed a hierarchy of…

A descriptive research study was conducted to determine those factors influencing people to select a career in agricultural education. Undergraduate students majoring in agricultural education at Virginia Tech and randomly chosen Virginia vocational agriculture teachers were surveyed by the use of a project-developed instrument. Among the findings…

The following 14 papers, with abstracts and references, are compiled in this conference proceedings: "Exploring the Roles and Duties of Vocational Special Needs Educators" (Melanie Fagert); "Professional Competencies for Provisionally Licensed Career and Technical Education Teachers in Virginia" (Betty Heath-Camp, Daisy L.…

This proceedings includes the following papers: "The 'Thoughtful' Health Practitioner: A Study of a Theoretical Basis for Critical Inquiry Regarding Liberal Arts in Health Professions Curricula" (Mary Jo Belenski); "Secondary School Vocational Program Performance Standards and Measures: Virginia's System of Locally Directed…