This report reveals that the 16 member states of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) are making progress in supporting new classroom teachers, but if effective, well qualified teachers are to be recruited and retained, even greater support needs to be provided. Teachers will need more and better training as many schools cope with rising numbers of students from diverse backgrounds, from low-income families and those with limited proficiency in English. States need to provide beginning teachers with the support and training they need to help every student make academic progress. Since 2001, many SREB states have made progress in establishing and upgrading support programs for beginning teachers, an important step toward the Challenge to Lead goal of making sure every child is taught by a qualified teacher. By supporting new teachers and increasing the percentage of teachers who do not leave the profession, a more stable and experienced work force can be developed. As research continues into what actions and programs are most effective in keeping new teachers in the field, the report recommends that SREB states should continue working toward implementing successful strategies and push to develop more effective and outstanding teacher support programs. (Contains 1 footnote.)