The role of survey data in assessing teacher supply, demand, and shortage is illustrated through a description of the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) of the National Center for Education Statistics. This survey exemplifies a method that involves: (1) a sample survey; (2) representative surveys; (3) cross-sectional surveys; and (4) comprehensive and national surveys. The SASS was administered for the first time in the 1987-88 school year. Its four questionnaires--the Teacher Demand and Shortage Questionnaire, the Administrator Questionnaire, the School Questionnaire, and the Teachers Questionnaire--supplemented by the Teacher Followup Survey will permit assessment through either prevalence or market based models. The complex question of teacher attrition can be addressed through a framework for analysis termed the "Comprehensive Attrition Model," developed from SASS data to consider transfer attrition and exit attrition. Survey research can also measure many of the factors affecting the magnitude of teacher supply. Limitations to the usefulness of the survey method in the areas of cost, errors, and forecasting are reviewed. The considerable relevance and utility of survey research methodology do not mean that other methods for studying and projecting teacher supply and demand are superfluous. Three tables present information about survey research. (SLD)