This report looks at the specific steps the National Education Association (NEA) members feel must be taken to ensure that there will be an excellent teacher for every student in every classroom in America. The beginning of the NEA in 1857 and some of the milestones it has achieved are described. A profile of today's teachers is given. The NEA Agenda for the Teaching Profession is introduced, and specific proposals are discussed: (1) standards for teacher preparation; (2) standards boards at the state and national level to enable professional self-governance by teachers; (3) development and use of effective evaluation systems for teachers coupled with opportunities for professional growth; (4) adequate compensation of teachers; and (5) participatory decision-making in schools. References for more information on the NEA agenda are offered. (MT)