Consistent with education reform efforts, the U.S. Department of Education, in November 1993, invited a group of 119 outstanding public and private school teachers to the Goals 2000 Teacher Forum in Washington, D.C. to hear their thoughts and explore ways in which the federal government might work in partnership with teachers to achieve the National Education Goals. The forum dealt with the following topics: how all American children may achieve success in the classroom; the kinds of systemic changes needed so that all students are challenged to meet higher expectations; and what policymakers and society as a whole must pledge so that this educational system is competitive in today's global society. Informants' suggestions formed the basis for the following concrete recommendations: teachers must be included in the decision-making process; the education system must be reshaped to reflect high-level thinking and substantive academic rigor; policymakers at all levels must ensure adequate funding for education; teachers must be given time to be professional educators; and teacher preparation and staff development must be overhauled to help teachers meet the needs of today's students. A list of forum participants is included. (LL)