The perceptions of tutors and instructors in the Biloxi Family English Literacy Program concerning their professional roles are summarized, and suggestions are made for improving classroom communication. Teacher responses to a survey indicate specific desirable teacher characteristics and qualifications, including interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills. Techniques for effective communication include the following: (1) active listening skills (putting oneself in the other's place, showing understanding with non-verbal behavior, restating the other's important thoughts and feelings, avoiding common communication errors, and using expressions of encouragement, restatement, reflection, summarization, clarification, and validation); (2) taking responsibility in communication (not chastising or giving orders, expressing one's own feelings in the first person, and brainstorming options and choosing solutions cooperataively); and (3) tutor activities in support of both teacher and students. Tips for retaining students by maintainig high school interest and motivation include always having another way to state or illustrate an idea, not equating students' child-like language with child-like thinking, using current events, understanding and remembering student needs and goals, having specific goals, getting consensus, being non-judgmental, and being aware of individual student situations. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)