A survey questionnaire asked adult (aged 18 or older) respondents to list, in order of importance, the five most important characteristics of their best and worst teachers in school; to answer the question: "What didn't school teach you?"; and to grade schools locally and nationally on a scale from A through F (A through D and F for Fail). A sample of adults from a rural area in West Virginia was selected. Of the target population, 8.2 percent were included in the sample. The sample was representative for sex, age, and household size, but biased toward the upper ends of income and education levels. The results of the study are presented with graphs and narrative discussion, including significant quotations from responents. Personal attributes of teachers upon which judgments were based included appearance, rapport with students, and temperament. "Best" and "worst" judgements were also made on teaching methods, subject knowledge, and discipline. Respondents were asked to specify the level at which their best and worst teachers taught, and the subjects (high school) they taught. Schools were rated on their strengths and weaknesses in curriculum, their contribution to the development of social compentencies, and their success in developing thinking processes. Results of the study are discussed in the light of ways in which teacher education programs may be improved. (JD)