The HEL Focus Series brings together concise and carefully researched articles on current issues in education. Each collection provides educators, administrators, policymakers, and parents with a balanced look at research and practice in a specific area.

In recent years, debates about improving K-12 education have increasingly focused on improving the preparation and performance of teachers. Professional development, career ladders, better incentives and rewards, and stricter accountability have all been offered up as tools for enhancing teacher professionalism.

This volume brings together the best articles previously published in the Harvard Education Letter about the profession of teaching. What are the benefits of co-teaching? How can collaborative assessment improve teaching? Is Asian-style lesson study an effective professional development tool? Do lead-teacher programs attract talent to the profession or undermine school unity? Is National Board Certification a boon to the profession, or a boondoggle? What changes must be made to keep the next generation of teachers on the job?

This valuable collection, which highlights the work of both scholars and school practitioners, offers classroom-tested solutions for improving the way teachers work and the conditions in which they do so.