Every profession has a set of essential tools for carrying out its work. Airplane mechanics cannot repair engines without sophisticated diagnostics, wrenches, and pliers. Surgeons cannot operate without scalpels and clamps. In contrast, teaching has often been perceived as a profession requiring only students, chalk, and a blackboard in order for learning to take place. There might be some truth to this perception of simplicity, but effective English teachers generally rely upon a number of tools--approaches, activities, and basic materials--to make teaching efficient and learning enjoyable. English teachers often assemble their own professional toolboxes, collecting essentials, both physical and conceptual. This introduction to three reprinted articles identifies tools, such as visual aids and dictionaries, used by effective teachers.