This textbook prepares pre-service teacher education students for their transition into professional practice as teachers and invites them to develop a deep understanding of their current and future role as a teacher. By explaining the day-to-day realities of working in schools, this textbook provides realistic answers to questions that make the work of the teacher complex, demanding and satisfying. This book provides insights and links to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers as they operate in the school and classroom context. It includes suggestions for how preservice teachers can most effectively demonstrate their developing competency in selected Standards as they prepare job applications, respond to interview questions, and develop their professional portfolio. It also explains how to take a more proactive role in the induction program as an early career teacher in the first years of teaching.