Argues that, in order to improve education, teachers must be granted greater authority. Reviews the factors that contribute to teacher authority character, moral integrity, membership in a true profession, and salary. Suggests that a strong professional association could contribute to teacher autonomy. (NL)

This article explores the contributions of professionalism to school accountability in the context of a new phenomenon in American education: the professional development school. (IAH)

Content and methods are outlined for an undergraduate elementary social studies methods course. Course topics include structure of the discipline and its place in the curriculum, selecting concepts and facts to teach, how children reason and the implications for social studies teaching methods, instructional planning and techniques, and…

Provides suggestions for new instrumental music teachers to ensure success in their first year in the classroom. Gives advice for working with the principal and other teachers, for establishing a friendly but professional relationship with students, and for developing a personal teaching style. (LS)

An approach to inservice education in the use of computers in the classroom is proposed that takes into account: (1) reactions to innovation; (2) competing demands for teachers' time; (3) adaptation of available software; (4) integration of courses and practical experience; and (5) provision of ongoing support. (SLD)

A staff development program in a Vermont school district relies heavily on teachers' self-appraisal and their desire for self-improvement. To assist teachers, the district has invited university instructors to teach graduate-level courses in the schools, hired consultants to speak, arranged workshops, and organized summer institutes. (MLF)

Presents observations concerning teachers as researchers organized around such issues as the roots of teacher research, the new interest in the topic, how teacher researchers are viewed by researchers, how they conduct research, what conditions support such research, and the value of such research. (RS)

Four college advancement professionals who have been at their present institutions for many years describe their strategies for professional renewal. These include creating variety on the job, using out-of-town trips for a change of pace, and using normal changes in the job over time to keep the work interesting. (MSE)

A self-efficacy quiz for teachers is provided, and guidelines are offered for using the quiz to increase an individual teacher's sense of teaching efficacy. Suggestions are offered for positively altering current beliefs about teaching and students and for addressing a sense of low personal teaching efficacy. (DB)

Examines self-assessment techniques that early childhood teachers can use to avoid "burnout" and rejuvenate their personal and professional lives. Suggests that professional books and articles, personal journals, reflection and other techniques can be used to create a web of self-assessment that allows teachers to better understand their…

Discusses the theory, nature, and benefits of cooperative learning. Considers the Cooperative Learning and Development Network (CLDN) trial in the JITOL (Just in Time Open Learning) project and examines the relationship between theories about cooperative learning and the reality of a group of professionals participating in a virtual cooperative…

Presents the second part of a discussion on "Information Power," a new guide for program development that demonstrates the evolution of the library profession. Describes resources for leadership and development in libraries and education. Highlights include cooperative planning, leadership qualities, flexibility in educational reform,…

Theorizing on diversity in child development has shown three distinguishable phases, and there are signs that a fourth phase may be emerging, resting on the principle of fundamental heterogeneity in human development. Issues related to classroom applications of such an approach, dealing with culture and content, are discussed. (SLD)

A study that interviewed educational managers at different career stages concerning their conceptions and experiences of educational-management learning found that teachers acquire managerial expertise by various means. The seven most common opportunities were identified and analyzed (from the learner's viewpoint) in terms of their relative…

Examines the transition from hierarchical to collegial teacher-administrator relationships in a central New York school district. The district's new supervision model requires teachers to assume responsibility for their individual professional growth and administrators to help teachers become self-directed and self-evaluating. Discusses…