Reading the batch of Readers' Group surveys each month has been enlightening this year. Editors often get to know authors well, but knowing readers well is equally important to us. On it hinges the success of the magazine. So thanks for the praise (you make our day), the criticism (sometimes we think you're right), and the witticisms (you help us keep our sense of humor). And finally, thank you for your time and for taking seriously your purely volunteer job of telling us what you think about what you read in Educational Leadership.
Here's what you thought about the March issue on “The Professional Teacher.”
Favorite Article
“I liked Michael Fullan's `Why Teachers Must Become Change Agents' because I believe classroom teachers are the agents of change or of the status quo.”
“Fullan clearly discusses the key role of teachers in effecting positive educational change. Systems don't change by themselves.”
“Firestone's `Why We Must Professionalize Teaching' reinforces the notion that there is no quick fix for the status problems that plague teaching.”
“`Why Professionalizing Teaching Is Not Enough' promotes positive changes for students and teachers. Firestone is not locked into meaningless discussion of `professionalism.'”
“Fullan's and Firestone's articles were concrete and visionary. Wilson's `The Search for Teacher Leaders' was insightful but the message tragic.”
“Wilson's article has serious implications. As administrative duties increase for principals, so does the need for teacher leaders.”
“`The Search for Teacher Leaders' seemed to focus precisely on our school situation. It was as if the research were done right here.”
“`A Conversation with Ralph Tyler' meshes the practical, personal, and intellectual pursuits of a very grand father in our profession.”
“A 91-year-old educator is still more on top of what is important than people half his age!”
Most Controversial
“`In Vino Veritas' was full of blame and posturing. It did not engage in real discussion of the issues that may have some merit.”
“`In Vino Veritas' expressed my feelings precisely. Contrast this with the article about gifted students and cooperative education, where people who do not live in classrooms tell people who do what they must be doing wrong.”
“I resent the implication that the fruit of the vine leads teachers to reveal truths about teaching.”
“`How The National Board Builds Professionalism,' although a neat summary, does not convey the arguments that ensued all day over the topic of certification. I was at that meeting!”
“`Portrait of Albert Shanker'—If you have the urge to deify someone, look in the ranks of the long-term successful classroom teachers.”
“`The Hidden Cost of Teaching'? Tell us something we don't already know.”
General Comments
“Great issue! Another keeper and one I will.”
“An excellent issue—teacher-oriented.”
“Great cover! Great theme!”
“I fail to see what the cover told us about professional teaching.”
“This issue clearly shows that teachers need a time to be able to be the pilgrim with the questions instead of the judge with all the answers.”
“This issue, perhaps more than any issue in a while, covered the topic from many different angles.”
