Public schools have created the position of the Technology Resource Teacher (TRT) in an attempt to establish a technical and instructional support system at the school level to assure the proper usage of technology (particularly computers) by both teachers and students. This study explores the roles and responsibilities of the Technology Resource Teacher (TRT), and the effects of the TRT's role on the integration of technology in the classroom. The study also examines how the TRT's role differs from that of instructional designers/technologists in the same position. The study was conducted at six middle schools in a school district in southeastern North Carolina, with data collected through interviews, classroom, workshops, and site observations, records, reports, documents, questionnaires, attitude surveys, and focus group discussions. Results showed that the role and responsibilities of TRTs are primarily instructional, although technical and administrative responsibilities are also expected. Excellent communication skills, the ability to understand the dynamics of teaching and the role of teachers, being able to work closely with classroom teachers, and familiarity with the school context all contribute to the success of the TRT. TRTs' instructional strategies varied, however; they did not conduct needs analyses, did not prioritize needs, did not have specific objectives, nor did they have a planned action for implementation and evaluation. Had the TRTs been trained in the field of instructional design, they would have combined their experience in the school environment with an analytical, systematic, and evaluative approach. Suggestions for improvement include: (1) recruit educators to become potential instructional designers in the public schools; (2) include a public school internship component to instructional technology programs; (3) provide inservice instructional technology training for public school teachers; and (4) target potential employment opportunities such as Technology Coordinator, Technology Resource Teacher, and other public school technology positions. A copy of the computer survey is appended. (Contains 18 references and 22 tables.) (Author/SWC)