Discusses distance-learning-program redesign for Internet delivery and suggests strategies for successful delivery, including hiring faculty specifically for the distance-learning program; orienting first-time students; comprehensive administrative support; adequate faculty training; virtual librarians; communication; and teaching students needed…

As states begin mandating induction-year programs as part of teacher preparation and certification, three issues have surfaced: the lack of consistency in definitions of mentoring among stakeholders, both between and within states; the need for the development of appropriate and effective models of mentoring; and the need for adequate funding to…

Outlines aspects of effective mentoring and teacher induction programs. Lists typical goals of effective mentoring programs and specific skills and competencies of trained mentors. Discusses frameworks for evaluating the impact of mentoring programs on beginning teachers, and suggests that the developing teacher moves through three stages:…

Examines the contribution of in-service teachers when they take responsibility for teacher-education courses. Outlines the main elements of sharing experiential knowledge by referring to the results of a research study that examined links between theory and practice. Discusses the use of examples as an important part of a teacher's contribution.…

Discusses the study of teacher researchers undertaking research into self-chosen aspects of their own mathematics teaching at the secondary level by using qualitative methods to explore the processes and practices of this research and the issues that it raised. Emphasizes that emergent theory of teachers' research activity fit strongly with a view…

This interview with Phillip Schlechty, a leader in school reform, discusses assumptions about teachers' roles, suggesting teachers be viewed as inventors and leaders of knowledge workers. The interview addresses teachers as inventors; developing school leaders; assumptions about behavior; structural changes in education; building capacity for…

Describes a teacher's first year as elementary literacy coordinator, assisting teachers to find innovative ways to teach reading and helping primary students with their reading in a lab setting. Discusses her preparation and early challenges, colleagues' reactions and eventual willingness to ask for specific help, and how she met her principal's…

Describes a minicourse used at Duquesne University that teaches faculty effective online instruction skills and helps them adapt to the cultural change of the new online environment. Discusses the cultural change for faculty, development and application of the online model, training objectives, strategies for developing faculty interest, and…

States that early-childhood educators must overcome negative experiences and feelings of inadequacy in the arts. Explores barriers that teachers must resolve to promote enjoyment and enthusiasm in the arts, including succumbing to stereotypes, evaluating children based on personal ability, reducing art to following instructions, focusing on…

Investigates teachers' professional lives during their early years of teaching in the Victoria, Australia area. Suggests that the concept of the beginning teacher as a novice progressing to expert had limited value. Reveals the critical influence of the social and political context in enabling supportive communities to foster the proper…

Describes action learning as a potentially powerful peer-based approach to teaching consultation at the college level and offers a case study of its use at Coventry University (England). Explains how action learning supports teaching improvement through reflective practice and peer dialog in group consultations about specific concerns (such as…

This annotated resource guide to instructional consultation at the college level identifies 16 specific resources, organized into those that address consultation in general, sourcebooks on instructional consultation, and effectiveness of instructional consultation. Also listed are periodicals, series, and other references, as well as professional…

Interviews Regie Routman, well-known advocate of whole-language instruction, about her new book, "Literacy at the Crossroads," in which she presents a clear response to critics of whole language and of education in general. Urges teachers to participate in professional development and communicate their professional knowledge about good teaching…

In cooperation with Texas A&M University's Center for Teaching Excellence, an interactive Library Assignment Workshop was developed to educate teaching faculty on designing effective library related assignments. Feedback from workshop attendees was positive and supported repeating the workshop several times per year, with a focus on new…

Describes New Zealand's program for beginning teacher induction, in which new primary teachers (K-8) receive weekly release time for the purpose of staff development. Argues that using this model would help combat the impending teacher shortage in the United States. (SR)