Maintaining an effective school system means retaining the outstanding teachers supporting it. According to a recent survey, many southern California teachers felt they would be disappointed if their children entered the profession. In California alone, there are 49,000 inactive teachers. One problem may be student discipline. Whereas top discipline problems in the 1940s were talking, chewing gum, making noise, getting out of turn, wearing improper clothing, and littering, today's main problems are drug abuse, alcohol, suicide, rape, robbery, and assault. One assistant principal of a southern California high school sought the help of students and community business leaders in recognizing effective teachers and restoring dignity to the teaching profession. Once students had identified 10 effective teaching criteria, teachers selected three teachers to recognize. The business community supplied the gifts--in one instance, a luxury weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona, for two teachers and their families. Other outstanding teachers were provided with free dinners by local restaurant owners. The recognition program also included a ceremony honoring the teachers in front of county guests, key business leaders, district personnel, board members, and family members. Students repaid an aviation company's generosity by performing a Christmas program at the airport. The limitations of what schools can accomplish by themselves can be overcome by cooperating with the community. (MLH)