ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to an answer through considering several different concepts of the role of the teacher. Martin Buber, the well-known Jewish philosopher and theologian, is considered one of the greatest thinkers on education of the 20th century. Paulo Freire, the Brazilian educator and critical pedagogist, is another very important figure in the field of education of the 20th century. Gur-Ze'ev was influenced by Freire's thought and develops some serious criticisms to his version of Critical Pedagogy. Ilan Gur-Ze'ev is critical of Freire's approach and defends the improviser-teacher, always critical and encouraging criticisms, but without reference to utopias. The chapter discusses the importance of teachers for a new model of development based on the full realisation of individual potential and for sustainable development on a global level; and that, as a consequence, the teaching profession faces challenges.
