ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines the challenges that are just a small sample of the many daily challenges that face teachers. Some are real and uniquely draining, like dealing with poor behaviour; others remain more distant, but present and real, such as how will the profession develop in the future so that teaching is increasingly valued. Issues such as what to teach and how to improve and assess are certainly as key as the ideas around professional development and specialism. Each is explored, with a clear indication about where to get further information, or what evidence there is to decide upon a course of action. Seekers of 'one-size-fits-all or silver bullet' solutions will need to look elsewhere. Nothing works in every context for every student. Indeed, some of the ideas expressed differ substantially from standard educational practices and may go against a teacher's own intuitions.
