The New England Consortium criteria of excellence are 26 statements of conditions which describe a quality reading program and which must exist if all children are to learn to read. These statements are grouped under five goal areas, the third of which, staffing a reading program, is treated in this position paper. The paper supports attainment of the following criteria for this goal area: the board of education has designated someone within the school system who has the central office support, responsibility, and time for the development and maintenance of a quality reading program; the board of education actively seeks candidates with preparation in the teaching of reading when filling new positions; the local board of education has established an incentive program for teacher inservice education in reading; and there is a continuous program of staff development. (JM)