A passion for teaching. (Education News).

A new report or show teachers regard the profession suggests that critics and decision makers may be on the wrong track about what is needed to attract new teachers and improve public schools. A Sense of Calling: Who Teaches and Why; a study released by Public Agenda, is an insightful look at how teachers feel about the job. Overwhelmingly, participants in the study expressed a passion for teaching. They believe they make a difference in kids' lives and in the community. Over 95 percent of new teachers said that "teaching is the work they love to do." Four out of five new teachers say that if they had it to do over, they would still choose teaching.

Perhaps surprisingly, many teachers do not believe money is the magic wand that will improve public education. They rate several other measures, such as reducing class size, as more effective. And by very high margins, given the choice between a better school environment and better pay, most. would sacrifice higher pay fit meant they could work in schools with well-behaved students, motivated colleagues, and supportive administrators.

Want to know more? Check out the fascinating summary of Sense of Calling: Who Teaches and Why on the Web at www.publicagenda.org/specials/teachers/teachers.htm or receive the full report for $10 by calling Public Agenda at 212-686-6610.