This paper focuses on certain approaches which an urban speech department can use as it contributes to the preparation of urban school teachers to communicate effectively with their students. The contents include: "Verbal and Nonverbal Codes," which discusses the teacher as an encoder of verbal messages and emphasizes that teachers must learn to investigate another's perception of the world for the purpose of sharing a codification system; and "Processes of Investigation" which looks at some of the basic ways of investigation for the teacher who wishes to learn more about the attitudes and feelings of people of other groups. Included in this last section are approaches that can be used as part of the speech communication course for improving interpersonal communication, such as simulation games, communication effectiveness exercises, role playing, and self-disclosure. (WR)