Identifies reasons to provide comprehensive induction programs for beginning counselors. Describes a pilot mentor education program on developmental principles, which features a new model of an in-service program aimed at addressing the needs of the novice counselor while providing experienced counselors with continued professional development.…

Examined perceptions of four cooperating or supervisory teachers for early childhood student teachers. Perceptions suggest the need to look beyond a functional approach in understanding what cooperating teachers do, noting the collaborative role they play, the artistry involved, and the match-mismatch between university assessment criteria and…

A school-based evaluation/supervision/development (S-BESD) model of teacher evaluation is presented. This model will provide a reasonable balance between teacher autonomy and system control. The model provides 5 growth alternatives and 10 growth support elements to meet teacher needs, reduce isolation, promote reflection, and improve performance.…

One goal of the Junior/Intermediate Option 2, a preservice and induction program initiated by University of Toronto education faculty and the Learning Consortium, is to explore the formation of peer groups and improve peer relations among beginning teachers. This paper finds base support groups a valuable component for fostering collegiality and…

Explains the definition and criteria of high quality in early childhood practitioners as the most important element in determining the quality of an early childhood program. Defines professionalism in the early childhood field and describes differentiated levels of professionalism, early childhood teacher certification from a national perspective,…

To examine the role of mentoring in urban school settings, conceptions of "urban schools,""mentors," and "mentoring" are explored. The most critical component of successful mentoring is a shared philosophy of the ways students learn and the possibility of learning. Strengthening the ability of mentors to exchange information is essential. (SLD)

Some urban teachers are marginal teachers who are beginning to internalize a sense of hopelessness about their effectiveness. The characteristics and skills of potential mentors to help marginal teachers are discussed, and salient points to consider in establishing a model for mentoring marginal teachers are reviewed. (SLD)

The implementation of peer coaching at an elementary school is described. Pairs of teachers worked together through initial discussions, classroom observations, and coaching meetings to refine specific areas of their teaching. The initial training in preparation for peer coaching is described, along with advantages and disadvantages of this…

This study explored the applicability of Schon's notion of reflective practice for student teachers in practicum settings. Case studies of student teachers in a practicum found 15 reflective themes and up to 4 precipitants per theme, with 47 factors that enhanced or constrained reflection. Four strategies for promoting student teacher reflection…

Describes New College of California's implementation of the year-long Elementary Teacher Credential program, a broad multicultural vision with extensive pedagogical goals. The article focuses primarily on innovative aspects of the program designed to provide teachers with the skills and understanding needed for the culturally diverse twenty-first…

With dwindling budgets and multiple demands on their time, teachers find fewer opportunities to stay current in their field. This article describes some principles for self-directed professional development and ways to read journals efficiently. Suggestions are offered for establishing a community of self-directed learner-teachers. (12 references)…

Provides details of a science teacher inservice model centered around the methodology of problem solving and ownership of outcomes associated with an issue or problem. Describes perceptions of the program by staff and participants. (Author/MKR)

Conducted a study to show in an audiovisual form how technological activities can be planned and implemented successfully at the primary school level. Demonstrates how science and technology can be linked in the curriculum. Reports that designing a unit that takes advantage of the symbiotic relationship between science and technology can lead to…

Supports a broad definition of scholarship and suggests ways leaders can promote a sense of professionalism built around scholarly work. Considers the culture of the community college, the task of changing attitudes and campus climates, reward systems, examples of scholarly activities, and the role of the academic dean. (DMM)

A case study of library science students enrolled in fieldwork programs through South African universities analyzed the positive and negative effects of the socialization that such programs provide. Recommendations are made to counter the negative effects experienced by some students, such as dissonance of values. (25 references) (LAE)