In preparation for this publication, 16 young teachers from different grade levels and different school districts were invited to meet in group discussions and speak about their experiences. All sessions were taped; the transcript was edited and organized to show the moment of passion, crises, and growth of new teachers. The tape extracts have been grouped into seven sections whose subject headings reflect major themes of the discussions: That First Year, The Kids, The Administration, The Staff, The Parents, The System, and The Teachers Themselves. (Editors/JA)