This paper discusses preschool teacher competencies and personality traits but makes no attempt to establish a picture of an ideal teacher. Five personal qualities necessary for success with young children--good physical and mental health, fondness and respect for children, a sympathetic understanding of their capacities and ways of growing, an ability to see naively and to wonder, and a sense of humor--are noted and discussed. Other desirable teacher attributes and curriculum area competencies required in the nursery school are explored. Knowledge of human development and behavior, subject matter areas, and teaching methods is recommended. Additionally, it is suggested that the preschool teacher should be able to work well with individuals and promote freedom within well chosen and clearly understood limits. It is noted that the unique demands of nursery school teaching make it important for teachers to have knowledge of and competency in nonverbal flexibly, to work with parents, and to adapt to the needs of individual children. emotional controls, skill in managing emotional ties, and the ability to plan flexibily, to work with parents, and to adapt to the needs of individual children. Other qualities which if developed can make a good teacher into an outstanding one are listed. (Author/RH)