This monograph, written for beginning teachers, is organized around the list of competencies upon which the assessment phase of the Virginia Beginning Teacher Assistance Program is based. Each chapter contains information about a competency required for certification in Virginia. The chapters follow the same general format. First, the definition of the competency to be mastered is presented. This is followed by a discussion of the purpose of the assistance or a statement of what people can expect to gain as a result of working through the chapter. The background knowledge section discusses professional literature relevant to the objective, and suggestions are made for practice activities that may help to build knowledge of the competency. Areas of competence covered include: (1) planning; (2) reinforcement; (3) consistent rules; (4) academic learning time; (5) accountability; (6) close supervision; (7) awareness; (8) questioning skill; (9) clarity of structure; (10) meaningfulness; (11) individual differences; (12) learner self-concept; (13) affective climate; and (14) evaluation. References are included in each chapter. (JD)