Methods of attracting, preparing, and retaining a solid cadre of dedicated, effective teachers in Wisconsin's schools are considered. Ideas and programs are offered for local school boards, the state legislature, teachers and administrators, and the general public. Specific recommendations are made on: (1) attracting competent individuals to careers in teaching; (2) improving the preparation and performance of teachers; (3) retaining competent teachers; and (4) improving teaching and teacher education. A summary is given of the results of an investigation of the supply and demand for teachers in the state. Concluding comments consider implementing recommended changes, issues facing teacher educators, and the implications of technology for teaching and teacher education. Appendices (the bulk of the report) provide information on: (1) persons presenting information at the request of the task force; (2) demographic characteristics of Wisconsin's public school teacher supply and demand; (3) survey of opinions of Wisconsin teachers and principals concerning teachers and teacher education; (4) trends in requirements for admission to teacher certification programs at Wisconsin's public and private institutions of higher education, 1979-80 and 1982-83; (5) admission, retention, and graduation requirements of Wisconsin teacher training institutions as of November 1, 1983; (6) credit distribution requirements for elementary and secondary education majors at state-supported and privately supported Wisconsin colleges and universities; (7) student teaching and field experience requirements of selected public and private Wisconsin teacher training institutions; (8) the charge to the Task Force on Teaching and Teacher Education; and (9) survey of Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators on the quality of teacher education in Wisconsin. A brief report is given of this survey of administrators. Comments on attracting and retaining teachers, and the preparation of teachers in the areas of testing, field experiences, teacher education, and personal qualities of teachers are summarized. (JD)