The dynamics of the teacher labor market were examined, focusing upon the problems of which teachers leave the profession, why they leave, where they go, and what it would take to retain them as public school teachers. In-depth case studies were made of six universities and six school districts. Data were collected by interviews (n=180) with deans, professors, placement officers, education students, administrators, principals, and teachers in the school systems. The study highlighted the fact that the present teacher labor market remedies such as career ladders and incentive pay plans do not address the significant variables of: (1) teacher recruiting methods by school systems and universities; (2) mobility patterns of teachers; (3) characteristics of teachers sought by school systems; (4) expectations, life styles, and attrition of teachers; (5) working conditions in the schools; and (6) teacher role-modeling for public school students. It is pointed out that school systems vary widely in the needs of their students and what they expect of teachers. Differences between rural and urban school systems are noted, and policy recommendations are made for recruiting and holding teachers suitable to the needs and expectations of school systems. (JD)