This study examined 35 first- and second-year teachers' perceptions of several current issues pertinent to their profession. Analysis of data from an open-ended questionnaire found that teachers' perceptions of their beginning teaching experiences were not all positive, though they were still satisfied that they had chosen to become teachers. Their responses fell into the four main categories of time management, discipline, parental involvement, and preparation. The teachers felt frustration due to lack of time to complete all their mundane chores and paperwork. They were overwhelmed at times due to the behavior problems they had to handle and were often frustrated over lack of parental concern and their inability to communicate in the most effective ways with parents. They voiced a need for more courses in classroom management and discipline, because their preservice training had not prepared them for the vast demands of teaching and the specific jobs required in specific schools. (SM)