This brief addresses four areas of opportunity to influence teacher quality. These areas of opportunity are used to create a framework to help state and district policymakers comprehensively address teacher quality. There are a number of policy levers or strategies that can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to improving teacher quality. They include: preservice teacher education (scholarships, loans, and loan-forgiveness as incentives to enter teacher training, licensure/certification requirements, accreditation of teacher preparation programs, and models of exemplary practices and programs); recruitment and selection (effective communication, teacher mobility policies, and alternate approaches to entering teaching); inservice teacher education (professional learning, induction programs, compensation and quality teaching, and re-certification); and retention (working conditions and compensation and retention). Overall, an approach that addresses each stage of a teacher's career is the best strategy for improving teacher quality. Standards supporting high levels of teacher knowledge, skills, and effectiveness are essential. Feedback should be continually gathered to monitor and adjust teacher quality policies. Compensation, working conditions, and opportunities to grow are key to building and maintaining a quality teacher workforce. (Contains 13 references.) (SM)