A basic assumption in teacher education is that teacher education programs are the primary influence in the thinking of new English teachers. A study evaluated that assumption. The researchers worked with four first-year high school or middle school English teachers to identify decision points in their teaching and to name the influences that…

This book explores the reasons that beginning teachers struggle and provides research-based plans for helping them make the most of their initial teaching years. It proposes Beginning Teacher Assistance Programs (BTAPs) as a practical strategy for success. BTAPs draw on the knowledge and expertise of teachers, principals, central office…

Examines the perceptions of beginning teachers, their understanding of the process of reading, and their effectiveness in teaching that process to first-grade students. Investigates the support and guidance necessary to deal effectively with the challenges and new responsibilities faced by beginning teachers. Presents conclusions that include the…

This article describes a program, designed by the Brighton Central School District (NY), which utilizes recently retired teachers as mentors for newly hired teachers. Selection of retirees, program outcomes, and implications of this program for the school district are also discussed. (IAH)

Discusses findings from five studies undertaken to elicit judgments from education professionals regarding what newly licensed teachers should know and be able to do. Presents findings from a review of learning-to-teach literature, noting that beginning teachers may not have all the knowledge and skills expected of them. Discusses implications for…

Describes how five beginning physical education teacher educators collaborated on a joint research project to systematically record their experiences as they entered their university careers. The paper outlines their data collection methods, describes phases of collaboration throughout the project, and examines benefits, limitations, and…

Reports a study of new teachers employed in English primary schools. Case studies of inductees and interviews with all people involved in the management of the teachers' probation and induction indicated the linked importance of appropriate placement, affective human relationships, and inductees' attitudes in achieving success in the induction…

Discusses the ways that seemingly minor events and incidents can provide the encouragement needed by beginning English teachers to make it through the ordeal of the first year of teaching. (HB)

Describes a project undertaken by a university teacher educator and a veteran high school teacher in which these two professionals exchanged jobs for an academic year. Provides excerpts from extensive field notes by both participants as well as analysis of what they both learned through the experience. (HB)

Moral, emotional, and political dimensions influence teachers' emerging identities. This paper analyzes how one beginning teacher acquired and maintained innovative instructional methods, recommends that teachers receive training in various instructional methods, contests the use of professional development schools, and suggests changes in…

The article addresses structural, personnel, and pedagogical considerations pertaining to the development of beginning teacher mentoring programs in the context of restructured elementary schools. Research indicates restructured schools provide a natural environment for fostering successful mentoring experiences because of their empowered…

This pilot study with eight beginning teachers examined the value of a mentorship program to assist novice special education teachers during their induction year. Results indicated that (1) perceptions of important mentor characteristics changed with training; (2) all novices valued having a mentor; and (3) most mentor-novice pairs met regularly.…

Describes a study which explored the instructional use of computers by beginning teachers, specifically the ways in which they used the computer, the influences on these uses, and the impact of these uses on their teaching and socialization into the profession. (IAH)

Findings from this study indicate that peer assistants (experienced teachers) have a positive impact on meeting the needs of new and beginning teachers in Georgia. The critical incident technique was used to collect data on effective and ineffective peer-assisted behavior. (IAH)

Draws insights from social sciences for beginning teacher induction: (1) from sociology, adult selection of socializing agent and phases of newcomer behavior; (2) from anthropology, rites of passage; and (3) from psychology, encouraging formal operational thought and beginning new adult psychosocial stages. (SK)