Reliable and current data is the foundation upon which good public policymaking is built. While California collects a good deal of data on its teaching workforce, policymakers have lacked a state-level data and analysis system to provide answers to even some of the most basic questions: How many credential holders actually take jobs? In what types of schools do they take jobs? What types of schools do they tend to leave? Until now, policymakers, program administrators and researchers have had to rely on estimates, data from limited studies or other states, or inferences drawn from unreliable sources due to California's poor collection and management of data. Making matters worse, the state has been plagued by an inability to make good use of the data it does collect. While a variety of state agencies keep records on various aspects of the teacher workforce, there has been no state-level system to integrate, organize, analyze and share available information or identify additional data needs. This disturbing lack of current and reliable information is now beginning to improve. This issue of "CenterView" discusses the importance of a reliable teacher workforce data system. It then describes how Kern County has taken steps to improve the quality of their teaching workforce through a comprehensive data system. Lastly, this paper also presents recommendations for the Legislature for the development of CAL TIDES (California Longitudinal Teacher Integrated Data Education System), a comprehensive data system.