ABSTRACT
Most people see a quality education as essential for leading a fulfilled and happy life. Parents make considerable sacrifices to give their children the best opportunities to attend the right schools, gain valuable experiences, benefit from intellectual challenges, learn skills and mix with their peers. People train to become teachers and persevere with the job when qualified because they recognise the significance of their role in helping to provide a good education and becoming a positive influence in the lives of their pupils. This chapter opens up a number of these themes and issues, which are pursued in greater depth throughout the rest of the book.
