In this article, the author describes what it takes to become a good teacher and what the system could do to develop good teachers. The author explains that good teachers chronicle their years by the number of flawed programs survived. The author notes that good teachers need to learn self-reliance. To achieve this, they need breathing room, and space to try new things and give form to the uniqueness that is their distinct gift to teaching. Teachers also need monitoring, but that is best done by those able to put teachers before programs, and to think outside the program box. In addition, the author explains the importance of giving teachers more time to find the right fit: time to interact with other teachers, develop independently, and be in control of what they become.