We've seen a rash of news stories on professionals entering the teaching field in response to harsh conditions in the private sector. A story this week in the New York Times profiles working professionals who have made the leap to teaching. The Times article notes evidence of growing interest in teaching--according to the National Center for Education Information, 55% of the candidates in post-baccalaureate teacher preparation programs are moving into education from outside fields as opposed to only 38% in 1998.

In Florida, where every district has been mandated to offer an alternative certification program, there's an interesting story that illustrates one problem with the system. The St. Petersburg Times profiles James Goode, a doctor-turned-Spanish teacher who, by all accounts, is the sort of accomplished, effective teacher that every school would want. But towards the end of the story, we learn Mr. Goode (Senor Bueno to his students) is leaving teaching to apply for a better-paying administrative position.

Mr. Goode might look instead into teaching at a TAP school, where a few teachers in every school can earn $100,000 and stay in the classroom.