This reference guide was developed by surveying student teachers, substitute teachers, returning teachers, emergency credential teachers, and teacher educators on what they wanted to see in a teaching reference. Samples of lesson units, themes, and communication with parents are provided, along with classroom-tested strategies. The 12 chapters are: (1) "Classroom Environment"; (2) "Parent Communications" (e.g., weekly newsletter, conferences, and telephone and written communications); (3) "Parent Involvement" (parents as tutors, guest speakers, lunch buddies, chaperons, and classroom helpers); (4) "Discipline" (rules and consequences, structure, and documentation); (5) "Instructional Planning" (e.g., long- and short-range planning and teamwork); (6) "Developing Themes" (weather unit and vowel search); (7) "Instructional Presentation"; (8) "Differentiation of Instruction" (layering assignments, grouping, and centers); (9) "Student Assessment and Record Keeping" (e.g., creating student portfolios, completing report cards, and grading); (10) "Using Technology in the Classroom" (e.g., computer use, computers as communication tools, and student computer use); (11) "Planning for Special Events" (class parties and field trips); and (12) "Professionalism of Teaching" (e.g., relationships with others and creating professional portfolios). (SM)