ABSTRACT
Veteran teachers are familiar in our schools and in our imaginations. We may idealize them as the linchpin of a successful school, the repository of established practice, the fount of knowledge and wisdom accumulated through years of experience. On the other hand, familiarity might breed contempt, as veteran teachers are often derided for standing in the way of innovation and progress, for misunderstanding the needs of a new generation, or for serving out their time with all passion long since spent. Yet, these educators continue to serve as an integral part of the educational system and, therefore, require detailed attention attesting to their ability to survive in a changing educational context, possibly fulfilling important roles in this new situation. This collection of papers is devoted to finding out what we mean by a ‘veteran teacher’, the factors that encourage teachers to remain in the profession, the characteristics of a successful veteran teacher and the values with which veteran teachers associate themselves in different cultures around the world.
