This paper discusses the problems of the teaching profession from the perspective of the classroom teacher, and attempts to develop a set of policy recommendations related to improving teaching conditions and teacher effectiveness. Information collection focused on data obtained from in-depth interviews conducted with 73 elementary and secondary school teachers in the Dade County (Florida) Public Schools. Among discouraging factors that affected teachers were: (1) changing student and parent attitudes and values toward education; (2) changing nature of the teacher's role; (3) loss of control in curriculum and evaluation; (4) changing status of the profession; and (5) teacher salaries. Data indicated that improvement of such situational factors as physical teaching conditions and quality of administrative leadership could increase job satisfaction. Recommendations for change are presented regarding teacher recruitment, selection, retention, and further research. (CB)