As part of a Funds for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE) grant, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Central Missouri State University is redesigning its 28-hour Secondary Professional Sequence (required for secondary education majors). The department identified and developed 45 teaching competencies reflecting 7 general goals and specific measurable outcomes for its teacher education graduates. A survey incorporating a 4-point Likert-type scale reflecting each of the 45 teaching competencies was mailed to 200 public school teachers and administrators. The purpose of the research was to identify those competencies considered important by professional educators and to examine the differences between teachers' and administrators' perceptions of what is important for an effective teacher. Findings provided the department some validation of those competencies it considers important for educators and some insight into what teachers and administrators consider important for an individual to be an effective teacher. It was recommended that perceptions and opinions of local teachers should be considered when evaluating its programs. Additional respondent comments, a copy of the survey, and 17 references are included. (LL)