This article describes characteristics of special education teachers based on data collected and analyzed by the federal government. Tables, graphs, and text present data on the teaching force by age, ethnicity, gender, full certification in main teaching field, highest degree, teaching experience, and likelihood of becoming a teacher again. (DB)

Reports a study that examined eight Canadian elementary schools that were implementing cooperative learning, describing the context and design of the cooperative learning project, identifying nine common concerns of elementary teachers beginning to implement cooperative learning, offering suggestions to staff developers for supporting teachers,…

Reports a study of 13 teacher education institutions that examined practices for selection and evaluation of cooperating teachers. Survey results indicated that student teacher placement procedures and selection of cooperating teachers remains relatively unchanged. The most important selection criteria were principal's recommendations and teaching…

This issue focuses on problematic interactions between ethnic and racially diverse students and monocultural students. Declining or stable enrollments in four-year colleges by students of color mean that no major change in the experiential backgrounds of teachers appears likely, leading to strong concerns about fostering multicultural…

A statewide network provides an effective support and communication system between university physical education teacher educators and physical education teachers and improves student teaching experience. The article describes the steps that led to the formation and implementation of a statewide communication network by the University of Wyoming.…

Argues that teacher in-service education programs should adopt an explicit standard for programs, value effects of in-service programs on teachers' needs for professional experiences, appreciate differences arising among schools and teachers in efforts to change educational practices, take a longitudinal perspective, and expand evaluation into the…

Defines images that teachers have of themselves within their teaching context. Employs a grounded theory approach and interviews to study how these images contribute to curricular decision making in six secondary school teachers. Analyzes the effectiveness of teacher images as tools for connecting teachers' past experiences to current curriculum…

Synthesizes research on teaching expertise from physical education and other fields, offering two examples of expertise-related topics in physical education (the importance of personal performance skills and observational skills). The paper discusses cognitive, behavioral, and mixed indicators of expertise. Methodological problems in undertaking…

Curricular expertise is reflected in teachers' abilities to select and convey content appropriate to the learner within a particular contextual setting and situation. The article describes traditional conceptualizations of knowledge and beliefs, focusing on relationships between the two concepts that promote a greater understanding of curricular…

Questionnaires completed by Australian preservice teachers before and after practical experiences in isolated rural settings revealed the value of these experiences in developing positive attitudes toward teaching in rural schools and in sensitizing teachers to the culture and conditions associated with teaching in rural areas. (LP)

The author reflects on his first teaching experience 20 years ago at a residential outdoor and environmental education school in Ontario (Canada). He stresses the importance of documenting outdoor experiences through personal narratives as a means of bringing attention to the value of outdoor learning and connecting learners with their natural…

Discusses methods for teaching elementary art students the principle of a focal point in the design of art works. Suggests beginning with well-known paintings as examples of utilizing a focal point, and then encouraging students to create their own designs. Displays examples of student art employing a center of interest. (DB)

Presents a simulation used in a political science course on U.S. foreign policy in which college students role play National Security Council members and government officials during a hijacking incident. Analyzes four groups' responses to the exercise. Suggests the simulation involves students in crisis decision making, developing better…

Profiles Margery Jacoby, a typical teacher at the turn of the century in western frontier, who secured a teaching certificate by examination at 15, took summer college courses, and was elected county superintendent at 23. Discusses women's access to higher education and administrative positions in the frontier west, teaching conditions, and…

Discusses the development of content knowledge in movement-based curricula. Researchers examined knowledge structures in groups of preservice physical educators, comparing them with those of elementary physical educators expert in movement-based approaches. Results suggest declarative knowledge develops in complexity from novice to expert within…