This report culminates a 2-year effort of the Regents Task Force on Teaching. During the 2 years, the Task Force met many times, conducted eight public forums around the state, conferred with various constituents and public officials, consulted with national experts, and surveyed the literature and experiences of other states. This report presents recommendations for action designed to fill four gaps between the current state and the goal of an educational system with caring and competent teachers who guide their students to mastery of the knowledge and skills needed for productive and fulfilling lives. The gaps are: (1) New York does not attract and keep enough of the best teachers where they are needed most; (2) not enough teachers leave college prepared to ensure that New York's students reach higher standards; (3) not enough teachers maintain the knowledge and skills needed to teach to high standards throughout their careers; and (4) many school environments actively work against effective teaching and learning. Proposed solutions to each problem are presented. The three appendixes present selected temporary licenses issued versus initial certificates issued, standards for teacher education institutions, and a timeline. (SM)