In this study, the authors conducted a mixed analysis of student perceptions of their best high school teachers. The sample of 257 preservice teachers from a College of Education in California described their best high school teacher. From their descriptions, qualitative analysis through the method of constant comparison yielded eight themes: teaching strategies, caring/concern, rapport, passionate, committed/professional, classroom management, knowledgeable, and respect. Exemplars for each of these themes are provided. Connections to educational leadership are drawn. Our research findings are compared and contrasted with the extant research literature.