The Teacher Load Index, a simplified method of comparing the teaching load of individuals in the California junior and community colleges, is presented in this report. First, the load measurement problem is addressed, revealing the inadequacies of the Credit Unit and the Weekly Student Contact Hour systems for measuring teacher load. Then, a series of basic assumptions concerning junior colleges and their staffs are outlined as a basis for developing a new index. Elements of teaching load (i.e, class instruction, institutional instructional assistance, institutional responsibility load, and professional improvement load) are then described, followed by a formula for measuring the teaching load. Next, advantages of the index and the index computational procedure are presented, including specific examples of computation. Tables outline course, class size, and preparation factors to be considered when applying the index. Next, special applications of the index are presented for unlimited class size, part-time teachers, simultaneous classes, sub classes, differential lecture-labs, and integrated lecture-labs. Finally, the utilization of the index is reviewed, explaining how the index can be applied to equalize loads or to adjust remuneration for individual teachers, or within departments and institutions. Relevant background data are also included. (JMC)