This document, which was written by a teacher with more than 40 years of teaching experience, is intended to help new and experienced teachers engage in the following activities: reflect upon their philosophy of teaching; plan, conduct, and evaluate their teaching and learning process; and improve the way they function as teachers in their school and community. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) the functions of a teacher (teaching, administrative and management, occupational/subject area specialist, and student counselor functions); (2) techniques for planning lessons (good teaching, basic learning principles, lesson plan components); (3) techniques for teaching lessons (initiating and maintaining interest, stimulating student thinking, using instructional materials, communicating effectively, practicing effective classroom management, providing application and practice, testing); (4) guidelines for assessing student learning; (5) strategies for managing teacher-student relationships; (6) ways of preventing misbehavior; (7) guidelines for functioning as a faculty member in the school and community; and (8) the elements that go into being a teacher. Ten figures are included. The bibliography lists nine references. The following items are appended: additional summaries of pedagogical skills and concepts; guidelines for selecting and using audiovisuals and other instructional materials; and guidelines for linking the planning, teaching, learning, and assessing processes. (MN)