What if the problem with today's classroom teachers is with the preparation they receive? This piece argues that teacher educators need to learn how to incorporate cultural competence and responsiveness within their daily lives and into their areas of expertise. As a faculty member and coordinator for the academically and/or intellectually gifted…

Presents the responses of nine English teachers to the question "Who has been the most positive influence on you as an English teacher, and how does your teaching reflect that influence?" (HB)

Contains recollections of one teacher's experiences with and observations of teacher J. C. Tressler. Praises Tressler's contribution to the teaching of English. (JD)

Shows how English composition teachers with little or no science background can actually use that lack of background as an asset in teaching science writing. (DD)

Describes teachers who inspired students to become teachers. (JL)

Presents opposing positions on returning teacher education to the academic disciplines. (JL)

Relates some of the author's experiences while teaching on the Pine Ridge (South Dakota) Sioux Reservation, showing how learning barriers can be broken with a little understanding between teacher and students. (JT)

Discusses the meaning of teacher excellence and offers some reasons why excellent teachers are in short supply. Suggests steps to improve teacher quality and performance. (RBW)

Contains reflections on the importance of teachers' summer vacations and the activities that revitalize the teaching spirit. (RL)

This chronological survey, extending from the laws passed in 1642 in Massachusetts to establish schools for the teaching of reading and writing to the 1968 Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of English, presents a discussion of varying attitudes toward English teaching and English teacher education. Divergent opinions on many topics are…