This report is intended to remind those involved in the teaching and learning enterprise that the business of education is complex and involves an intricate interplay among individuals, organizations, and diverse life situations. The report focuses specifically on teachers and the perspectives they bring to the discourse on education. The book reports on recipients of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award over the last decade. The book's 10 chapters are: (1) "On Recognizing Excellence: A Focus of the Best in the Room"; (2) "A Study of the Architects of Teaching Excellence: NISOD Excellence Award Recipients"; (3) "The Inspiration to Teach"; (4) "Historical Overview of Teaching Excellence"; (5) "Core Strategies for Effectively Teaching Content"; (6) "Core Strategies for Effectively Teaching Students"; (7) "Assessing Learning: How We Know They Know"; (8) "Information Technology in Instruction"; (9) "Advice for Beginning Community College Instructors"; and (10) "Implications and Recommendations for Planning and Practicing Teaching Excellence." The Five-Star Faculty Survey, administered to award recipients, and results of the survey (1,670 respondents) are appended. (Contains over 150 references.) (NB)