This research article from the American Educational Research Journal examines the state of the K–12 teaching profession over the last 50 years in the United States. The authors compile nationally representative time-series data on four constructs: (1) occupational prestige, (2) interest among students, (3) number of individuals preparing for entry, and (4) on-the-job satisfaction. They find that the current state of the teaching profession is at or near its lowest levels in 50 years. Finally, they identify and explore a range of hypotheses that might explain these historical patterns, including economic and sociopolitical factors, education policies, and school environments. In detailing changes in teacher preparation in the past half-century, this article is a helpful resource for teacher educators, policymakers, and researchers who are investigating the conditions of teaching.