Contends that an improvisational stance in teaching avoids disagreements and blockages that can stymie reading instruction. Outlines eight graduate students' experiences teaching improvisationally. Explains that the tutors sought a collaborative teaching stance that was in tune with the individual children's interests and personality. Defines…

This conversation began with the question: what has teaching Appalachian Studies taught us about teaching in general? Several themes emerged. Teaching Appalachian studies makes the subject matter relevant to the personal growth of students; requires innovative curriculum development; and because of its activist past, connects naturally with…

This article explores the problem of planning and how it underlies many of the problems common to first-year teachers. A related problem, how teachers define their students and themselves, is also considered. Case studies of three first-year teachers provide a context for discussion of these problems. (IAH)

A review of novels and teacher textbooks from the early 1900s shows an image of teachers far more diverse than the nostalgic one held by many Americans today. Teachers were often young and poorly prepared in academics and pedagogy, and they struggled with disobedient students for control of the school. (KS)

The wife of the late Doug Wade discusses the course of his career in outdoor education and nature interpretation; the relationship he had with his mentor, Aldo Leopold; his success as a teacher and his relationship with his students; and how a background in botany enabled her to assist her husband with field trips. (LP)

Three brief articles by teachers in Foxfire's East Tennessee Teachers' Network discuss developmentally appropriate practices for high school students and young adults, and describe the use of group work in a high school English class and class projects concerned with local history and wetlands ecology. (SV)

Presents a positive review of the book, "Making Sense of Teaching," which examines the perspectives of practitioners and answers the question of how teachers construe and evaluate their own teaching, how they make judgments, and why they choose to act in particular ways in specific circumstances to achieve their successes. (SM)

Reviews a book that describes the experiences of a white teacher of creative writing in American Indian classrooms. The book recounts the teacher's successes in encouraging his students to write poetry, examines his relationships with his students and their community, and offers lessons about crossing cultural boundaries and the rewards to be…

Examines the life of Cara Mallett, who improved the education of women teachers during her career as teacher and administrator at Whitelands College (London) and Hurlstone Training College for Women (New South Wales, Australia). Compares the education and experiences of women teachers in late nineteenth-century England and Australia. (SV)

Uses the curing and caring aspects of medicine as an analogy for what education can be. Observes that the divinity expressed through medicine's ability to cure and care for people also can be expressed through teaching when it attempts to eliminate ignorance, prejudice, and misinformation. (DB)

A teacher reflects on his experiences teaching American Indian literature and offers advice to other teachers: (1) clearly defining "Native American literature," noting diversity of Indian nations; (2) teaching works in their cultural context; (3) paying attention to continuance and Native time sense; and (4) being wary of translations. (SV)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is developing a certification process, rather than a test, to confer distinction on experienced teachers who meet demanding standards. The role of performance assessment in this voluntary certification is discussed, and the research goals of the NBPTS are described. (SLD)

Presents a model for utilizing undergraduate teaching assistants in the basic communication course. Discusses the rationale for using undergraduates, responsibilities of the teaching assistant, and reasons students select a teaching assistantship. Considers selection, training, evaluation, and advantages and disadvantages for the students,…

Explores the perceptions of 24 inexperienced teachers appointed to isolated rural schools in western Queensland. Focuses on the effects of isolation on the teachers' attitudes, behavior, involvement with the community, and teaching performance. Finds that, contrary to popular belief, many young teachers viewed their experience positively. (SV)

A teacher describes using the Foxfire approach in an exploratory class on study skills for sixth graders. The students brainstormed about activities that would meet curriculum objectives, completed miniresearch projects that sharpened their library skills, and evaluated each others' projects. (SV)