This book serves as a response to recurring questions from preservice teachers regarding the practice of student-centered teaching within the traditional school culture. The book uses the experience of one beginning teacher, Sheila, to develop its theme. It suggests that if practicing teachers have direct continuing access to teacher educators for support while they and their students work at letting go of traditional assumptions, they can work gradually toward realization of their vision. The seven chapters discuss: student centered teaching; Sheila's vision of the teacher as nurturer; the process of teaching and learning; teaching in a student-centered classroom; institutional realities; developing the mentoring relationship; and reconceptualizing roles of teacher and teacher educators. It is concluded that a developing teacher does most of the work at growing professionally, while her nurturer provides the support. A list of operational definitions and a list of resources on student-centered teaching are provided. (Contains 96 references.) (CK)