This study sets forth the results of an inquiry made at the request of UNESCO in the 30 countries in all parts of the world by four world teachers' organizations. Three organizations represent teachers in state systems and the fourth represents Catholic education. These teacher organizations chose 35 national organizations in countries spread over the five continents to provide data reflecting the situation of teachers throughout the world. The analysis of the results of the inquiry are grouped into six sections: 1) the preparation of laws and decrees and regulations concerning education; 2) the planning and changes that have occurred in school organization; 3) the formulation of recruitment policy and organization of the training and further education of teachers; 4) the determination of professional standards and the rights and responsibilities of teachers; 5) the determination of teachers salaries and their conditions of work and employment; and (6) the preparation of curricula, textbooks, and materials, also the development of teaching methods and the orientation and organization of research. A final evaluation includes observations of teacher participation in the drafting of education laws, decrees and regulations, and the forms and degrees of teacher participation. Appendixes include extracts concerning the status of teachers. (MJM)