Helping Teachers Be Successful: Lessons for Administrators.

Abstract

The goal of this study was to identify areas of teacher performance that were lacking to the point that the teacher was nonrenewed. Individual school districts can gain insight into why teachers are failing and make adjustments to their training and teacher induction programs that will improve professional practice. The study found that teachers failed primarily in the area of classroom management. Of the 22 possible teaching skills in which teachers could be deficient, four of the top five causes for nonrenewal came within the category of classroom management (Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport, Managing Student Behavior, Managing Classroom Procedures, and Establishing a Culture for Learning). School districts should examine their staff development strategies and teacher induction programs to assure that these areas of concern are addressed. Keywords: teacher characteristics, administrator attitudes, teacher evaluation, personnel management, teacher competencies, teacher shortage, teacher dismissal, job performance, employer-employee relationship, employment problems, teacher-administrator relationship