A longitudinal case study was conducted to explore changes in how beginning science teachers conceptualize science teaching. The current study explored the development of two of these teachers who were chosen because of their contrasting levels of expertise after their first semester of independent teaching. The research was designed to elicit the…

This study expands on research conducted by Bobbitt and Weaver (1992) that assessed the experience of beginning teachers in the context of the "crucible versus cradle" paradigm. Using nationally representative data on teachers from the National Center for Education Statistics' Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) of 1990-91, the analysis…

This book presents practical strategies to help secondary teachers succeed in their first year of teaching. The 16 chapters include the following: (1) Learning Your Way Around the School (getting oriented, making friends, learning rules and traditions, meeting others); (2) Organizing Your Room (taking inventory and assessing flow, movement, space,…

The papers in this monograph represent responses to criticisms of teacher education. The theme connecting the papers is reflection and change in teacher education. The following papers are included: (1) "Computers in Education--Another Failed Technology?" (Thomas A. Drazdowski); (2) "Selected Effects of Cooperative Learning"…

The possibility of differences between beginning teachers and intern teachers (alternatively certified) during their first years of teaching in the elementary classroom was explored. Data was collected from 66 beginning teachers (recent graduates) and 58 intern students (intern teachers) from a California State University campus regarding…

A knowledge base was developed regarding the nature, dynamics, and scope of the induction process for beginning secondary vocational teachers. The research involved the following components: a 2-year ethnographic follow-up of 12 beginning teachers during fall 1988; the case study analysis of the first 2 years of teaching of five beginning teachers…

A study investigated the nature, dynamics, and scope of the induction process for beginning vocational teachers. Ten purposefully selected groups of beginning vocational teachers from eight different states participated in nominal group technique sessions. Two groups were selected for intensive follow-up for case study. A mail survey of a…

The University of Northern Colorado Teacher Induction Partnerships program is designed to accomplish the transition from beginning or re-entry teacher to experienced professional in a smooth and effective fashion. The program provides a reality-based educational experience designed to assist beginning and re-entry teachers in developing and…

Teacher warranty programs are one way that teacher preparation programs can provide follow-up support to their graduates and assurance of the quality of their graduates to employers and the general public. A survey of 105 teacher preparation institutions revealed that only 8 have implemented warranty programs, but their experience suggests that…

This publication explains promising practices in improving teacher quality. Chapter 1, Achieving Excellence in the Teaching Profession, discusses educational, economic, and social change; teacher recruitment and development challenges; and opportunities for renewing the teaching profession. Chapter 2, Recruiting Talented and Diverse People into…

This document presents standards for professional teaching practice in California. The standards were developed to facilitate the induction of beginning teachers into their professional roles and responsibilities. The standards are organized around six interrelated categories of teaching practice: Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning;…

This report discusses trends in California's teaching force for 2002: shortage of qualified teachers (e.g., the shortage varies across different subjects and is expected to worsen due to teacher retirements and growth in numbers of students); getting good teachers (e.g., California's underprepared teachers continue to be inequitably distributed…

This publication discusses how unions work to ensure teacher quality. Section 1, "The Union Role in Assuring Teacher Quality" presents the American Federation of Teachers convention resolution adopted on July 19, 1998. It explains the context of teacher quality; the teacher development continuum and the need for change (preservice…

This book helps school systems and teacher mentors achieve a systematic approach to teacher induction and mentoring programs, offering over 60 checklists, planning guidelines, and assessment tools. Part 1, "Preparation for Mentor Training," includes (1) "From Master Teacher to Masterful Mentor," (2) "Assessing Your…

This report uses the national Baccalaureate and Beyond longitudinal database to look at the early career paths of 1993 college graduates. The results provide information on which college graduates became teachers, where they taught, and whether they left teaching within 3 years. Overall, it is not easy to predict who may be potential teachers when…