The role of the teacher is viewed as that of a decision maker and problem solver. It is pointed out that in daily work teachers must deal not only with planning lessons, selecting educational materials, initiating activities suitable for students of different abilities and motivating students, but also must deal with discipline, parent-school relations, and meeting emergencies. Suggestions are made for improving preservice teacher education, primarily by strengthening competency based education and providing considerably more student teaching experience. (JD)