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their choice to become a teacher, according to a recent University of Phoenix College of Education survey of more than 1,000 K-12 teachers. Additionally, 68 percent of teachers, who entered the field in the past 10 years, say they would recommend the profession to others. Recent federal data supports these findings as well. Eighty-three percent of teachers who entered the field in 2008-2009 were still working in education five years later, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of teachers

Efforts to grow the teaching ranks must focus on teacher recruitment, particularly in STEM subjects. Research also shows that expanding access to teacher preparation programs and providing prospective teachers with experience that will help them navigate the critical first few years in the classroom is essential.

Higher education institutions play a vital role in ensuring potential candidates understand the opportunities that exist in education. Today’s teacher preparation programs must be able to accommodate modern student schedules and meet unique education needs. Teacher preparation programs that offer flexibility and relevance to the dynamics of today’s classrooms are a must for student success. In addition, the curriculum offered by higher education institutions should also provide today’s teacher candidates with real-world scenarios that encourage critical thinking and decision-making skills. These lessons will be vital when managing their own classrooms in the years ahead.

Inspiring tomorrow’s teachers As most teachers will attest, they did not join the profession to get rich, but rather to inspire children and young adults to learn, set ambitious goals and achieve them. The University of Phoenix survey found that past generations of teachers were quite successful at this. Nearly half of respondents were inspired to join the profession by a teacher they had when they were young, according to the University of Phoenix survey.

Recruiting, retaining and supporting the individuals who are so critical to the future of today’s children, takes a team effort. But the efforts are worth it as the successes of today’s teachers will ultimately translate into the victories of tomorrow’s leaders.— BPT

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2015 33 Your goal may be to celebrate the holidays in style this year, but your allergies and asthma are making you feel like the Grinch. You may not even be aware of what’s causing the extra sniffling, sneezing and itchy eyes.

“Two thirds of allergy sufferers have symptoms year-round, so it’s not just a matter of the first freeze hitting and your symptoms disappearing,” says allergist Bryan Martin, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Even after the pollen season dies down, there are environmental triggers to deal with - things Fa-la-lah-choo! Allergic to the holidays? Keep yourself sneeze and wheeze-free this Holiday

like mold, dust and pet dander. The winter holidays can bring a whole new set of triggers.”

The following are some ACAAI tips on ways to steer clear of allergic triggers that surface during the holidays, including some you may not have been aware of.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful Half the fun of the winter holidays is being outside - caroling, building snowmen, sledding. But if you have asthma, you need to know that very cold, dry air can be a trigger. If you’re heading outside and it’s very cold, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or face mask - particularly if you’ll be exercising. Over the river If you’re traveling for the holidays and have allergies or asthma, be sure to pack your medicines. Some hotels now offer allergy-free rooms, so inquire when booking your stay. If you’re allergic to dust mites, bring your allergy-blocking bedding. If you need injectable epinephrine, make sure you have two for your trip.

Sneezing around the Christmas tree Lots of traditions swirl around the holidays - and lots of dust, too. If you store ornaments and artificial trees in the attic without being covered, they may be full of dust, which can cause allergies to flare. Clean them thoroughly before putting them up, and when the holidays are over, store them in air-tight boxes so that next year you’ll deal with fewer triggers. If you buy a real tree, know that some people have contact skin allergies to terpene, found in the sap of trees, as well as inhalant allergies to mold spores and pollen brought into the house by fresh trees and greenery. Bring us a figgy pudding - or not The holidays often involve events where other people prepare the food. If you or your kids suffer from food allergies, you’re probably skilled at bringing something you know everyone in your clan can eat. You might also want to give the host a heads up if there are certain ingredients she needs to steer clear of. Check labels of anything that’s pre-prepared that you haven’t eaten before. And know that lots of websites have allergy-safe recipes for holiday classics. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are trained to diagnose and treat your symptoms, and to work with you to create an individual action plan. To find an allergist in your area, use the ACAAI allergist locator tool.

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.—BPT