Presents an economic model of the relationship among educational effort, ability, employment qualifications, and productivity. Suggests that occupational competency requirements may encourage applicants to restrict their investments in education to the minimum necessary to obtain certification, rather than striving for competency levels that would…

Illinois principals (N=228) were surveyed to determine the qualities they examine when hiring mathematics and science teachers. Content area knowledge, area of certification, and personality characteristics were of higher priority than sponsoring extracurricular activities, references, and minor areas of certification. (DH)