FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 1998

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Education Association (NEA) has named "Daily Report Card" publisher and columnist Barbara A. Pape editor of Teaching and Change, a quarterly academic journal. The editor and publisher of the popular "Daily Report Card," an electronically delivered education newsletter, will redesign NEA's five-year-old quarterly for teachers. Pape is expected to bring her journalistic experience to bear in updating the journal with a more contemporary tone and look.

As publisher of the "Daily Report Card," Pape is responsible for reporting on education reform, policies, and trends. Her widely read "Spotlight" column influences educators, policymakers, researchers, and editors covering education. Pape also analyzes progress made by states on the national education goals for the "National Education Goals Panel Weekly." In addition to her new role as editor of the journal, Pape will continue to publish the "Daily Report Card."

"NEA's Teaching and Change journal lies at the crossroads of theory and practice," explains Pape. "Far too often, new theories on children remain tucked away in the halls of academia. On the other hand, teachers' hands-on experience with what works in the classroom stays isolated at the school level. We hope the journal bridges the chasm between university and school, providing information that will benefit researchers, teachers, and -- most importantly -- the students they serve."

Pape's career combines journalism, public policy, and valuable classroom experience in a unique mix. She is a former assistant director of public affairs for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), government affairs director for City Colleges of Chicago, and policy analyst for the Center for Policy Alternatives. She has also taught elementary and middle school and been a substitute teacher for disabled students.

"From the classroom to the national news desk to the corridors of state capitols, Barbara Pape brings a wealth of experience to Teaching and Change," notes Lynn Coffin, director of NEA's Teaching and Learning staff. "Barbara Pape has the talent to transform the journal into a highly readable, accessible, and timely publication for teachers and the education research community."

Teaching and Change publishes the experiences and research of classroom teachers and education researchers. The quarterly journal provides a juried forum for teachers and researchers to share best practices and professional findings. NEA founded the journal in 1993 to help Association members strengthen the learning environment in their schools. Typically, Teaching and Change covers what is taught, how it is taught, and the different ways schools are organized. Pape will introduce thematic issues, beginning with an in-depth look at reading in the Spring 1999 issue.

The editorial review board includes education experts such as Linda Darling-Hammond of Stanford University, Edward Fuentes of the U.S. Department of Education, and the American Society for Engineering Education. The Spring 1999 issue is scheduled to be published in February. Teaching and Change is a joint publication of the NEA Professional Library and Corwin Press, Inc. Review copies are available.