Collective bargaining is merely a process for reconciling the expectations of two parties in order to arrive at a written contract, according to the author. His paper describes the bargaining process, following chronologically its major steps. The paper begins with a discussion of the recognition and certification of teacher unions. The next chapter focuses on the scope of bargaining, including the range of subjects that can be bargained between teachers and boards of education. Next the author describes what actually happens at the bargaining table and the methods used to resolve bargaining impasses between the parties, including mediation, fact-finding, arbitration, and strikes. The final chapter describes grievance procedures used to enforce the collective bargaining agreement. He bolsters his presentation with references to statutes and court cases bearing on collective bargaining. (Author/DS)