The speaker examines a cross-section of the cases illustrating reasonable cause for dismissal of teachers. He considers teacher behavior both in and out of the schools in covering such topics as insubordination, cruelty, personal appearance, curriculum decisions, immoral behavior, political activity, illegal strikes, and criminal conduct. Court decisions suggest that board members have the authority and the duty to act to dismiss a teacher if that teacher's behavior is a threat to the school community. The speaker recommends that boards follow their written policies, follow state statutes, seek legal counsel, and recognize and respect the teacher's constitutional rights. (Author/IRT)