In discussing the problem of a current and future shortage of well-qualified minority teachers, it is pointed out that this shortage is only one manifestation of the enormous systemic failure of urban schools; minority children and youth are receiving an inferior education in inadequate elementary and secondary schools. New reform efforts aimed at recruiting more minorities into teaching are examined critically, and the flaws of these efforts, both practical and philosphical, are discussed. Improving the quality of preschool, elementary, and secondary schools in urban areas is viewed as the fundamental way of improving the number of minority teachers. Each of the following ideas for improving the quality and quantity of minority teachers is discussed: (1) teaching versus screening as a strategy for recruiting more minorities into teaching; (2) partnership between two- and four-year institutions is a fruitful approach for recuriting and training more minority teachers; (3) new forms of post-baccalaureate teacher training aimed specifically at minorities will be needed; and (4) new forms of teacher training, not controlled by universities, can be vehicles for attracting more minority teachers. (JD)