This information kit describes the importance of having skilled and well-prepared teachers in all American classrooms. Section 1, "Why We Must Invest in Good Teaching," explains that "Good Teaching Makes a Difference." Section 2, "The Current State of Teaching in America: Five Barriers to Increasing Student Achievement," describes the barriers: "Painfully Slipshod Teacher Recruitment and Hiring Practices"; "Seriously Flawed Teacher Preparation"; "Unenforced Standards for Teachers"; "Inadequate Support for Beginning Teachers"; and "Lack of Professional Development and Rewards for Knowledge and Skills." Section 3, "The Coming Crisis," discusses "Quantity,""Quality,""Equity," and "Our Challenges for the 21st Century." Section 4, "Efforts To Address Our Teacher Quality Challenges," looks at "Efforts throughout the Nation" and "Strategies for the U.S. Department of Education." The subsequent sections describe: "Next Steps for Communities"; "Next Steps for Teachers"; "Next Steps for Colleges and Universities"; "Next Steps for School Administrators"; "Next Steps for Business Leaders"; "Next Steps for State and Local Policymakers"; "Resources"; "Professional Development Award Winners"; and "Endnotes." The packet includes 23 chart masters for making overheads. (SM)