A census of the field of public school agricultural education was conducted to characterize the supply and demand for teachers of agricultural education in 1996-1998 nationally, regionally, and by state. Data were collected through surveys mailed to the head teacher educators in each agricultural education department with a program for specific preparation of teachers of agriculture at institutions of higher education in the United States and to the individuals in charge of agricultural education at each state department of education. The following were among the main findings: (1) the profession has remained stable and is growing slowly in terms of numbers of teaching positions; (2) although teacher education programs are qualifying adequate numbers of potential new teachers, a de facto shortage of agricultural education teachers still exists; (3) improvements are needed in systems for advising potential new teachers about available teaching positions; (4) despite progress in the area of diversity, efforts are still needed to increase the representation of women and ethnic minorities in the profession; and (5) major efforts are needed to expand the capability of teacher education programs to prepare teachers of agriculture. (Sixteen tables/figures are included. The bibliography lists 16 references. A news release and fact sheet are appended.) (MN)