Regardless of what ideas, initiatives, or programs that are set into motion, teachers need the support of the administration at the school, the district, the state, as well as the support from the national level.  We have to stop mandating programs for teachers to implement without giving the teachers the support to implement them.  We want to do whatever is going to help students become better life learners and problem solvers.  Regardless of the program, it has to be realistic and FUNDED!

I think that to get parents involved is a critical movement.  One tool that schools can provide to make sure parents get involved is a simple one.  When teachers follow students home to make reports on their progress, dates back to early intervention of teachers suchas Mr. Caldwell who was a professor at Tougaloo Daniel Hand School. whereby he would ride the bus home  and the students on the bus never knew which student was in jeopardy.  That alone made the students more alert and attentive in class. Once he talked with the parent, that student had a compelling interest thereafter.

The parents participated more in assuring the student met all of his obligations, and the parents didnt want to be embarassed therafter and took an interest in the school also. 

Also the parents have to take a stakehold in the school an this is achieved when teachers make sure parents have a role at the school on a weekly basis.  Involving them in their work curriculum makes a huge difference.

It's clear that to inspire students in any area for any purpose, the educator must first be inspired.

S.T.E.M. Magazine is designed to do just that.....at no cost. Teacher retention, motivation and effectiveness are challenges that will never go away. As an educator and publisher, I speak with thousands of students annually and hundreds of teachers. The similarities in complaints are amazing.....so maybe some of the solutions are broad as well.

Administrator support and parental involvement are not on the horizon for most schools, thus the focus on "teacher health" should be a must.

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