This study investigated the assumption that teachers who have been community college students are more effective as teachers at the community college level than are teachers who have never attended a community college. No significant relationship was found between instructor success as measured by the level of student retention in English composition classes and past instructor experience as a community college student. Limitations of the study were that retention was observed for only 8 weeks, and that older instructors had more experience teaching and therefore might retain more students. (Author/SW)