The potential impacts of teacher work reform efforts on attracting and retaining the best teachers are summarized in this paper, which draws on research conducted in Utah, Colorado, and Missouri between 1985 and 1991. Bluedorn's (1982) model of turnover is used to evaluate the effects of teacher work reform on turnover, which is composed of expectations, work experiences, job satisfaction, job and professional commitment, and intentions to stay or leave. Findings indicate that academic ability and work performance affect teachers' attitudes toward turnover, and that work redesign reforms affect student performance. Four issues should be considered in designing a plan to attract and retain the best teachers: (1) the target population of quality teachers holds different work values and aspirations then do teachers of lesser ability and promise; (2) career ladders exhibit early positive effects; (3) evaluation should demonstrate the link between teacher work reform and student outcomes; and (4) there is a need for maintaining support systems. (26 references) (LMI)