A survey of preservice and inservice teachers in ten southeastern states was conducted to identify perceptions of teaching as a career opportunity. Differences in perceptions were calculated on the basis of sex, race, and grade level certification. Discriminating factors associated with preservice and inservice teachers were categorized on the basis of whether or not they would encourage others to enter the teaching profession. Major findings of the study include: (1) Salaries, discipline problems, and working conditions were perceived as discouraging factors; (2) Encouraging factors included contribution to humanity, job security, and fringe benefits; (3) A majority of inservice teachers would encourage a capable student to enter teaching; (4) Some aspects of teaching were seen more positively by females than by males; (5) Differences existed between perceptions of preservice teachers categorized according to race and grade level certification; (6) Differences existed between perceptions of inservice teachers categorized by race and sex; and (7) In considering whether or not they would encourage others to enter teaching, preservice teachers' responses reflected their perceptions of salary, discipline problems, job security, area of certification, and the age at which they became interested in teaching. Tabulated results of the survey are included. (JD)