This volume presents a portrait of the American teacher through a range of narratives including fictional short stories, poetry, diaries, letters, ethnographies and autobiographies. The evolution of the teacher is traced over two centuries, through connecting themes and issues.

Using a combination of participant observation and interviews with teachers, parents and students, Rosetta Marantz Cohen explores a high school's efforts in the United States to implement broad-based curricular change. The book vividly illustrates the impact of change on an often resistant institution. From her observations, Cohen draws up a series of recommendations for those considering embarking on similar site-based reform initiatives.

This book shows the ways that cultural attitudes toward the teaching profession influence how students perform across the globe.