The study by Eurydice on the teaching profession, which has been the subject of four reports published in the "Key topics in education in Europe" series, examines the position of teachers in lower secondary education in 30 countries. The first report considered how the initial training of teachers prepared them for their occupation along with measures for their transition to professional life. The second report compared situations of shortage and oversupply, as well as measures introduced to deal with them, and the third with the working conditions of teachers, such as job security and their long-term salary prospects. This fourth and final report raises key questions with a bearing on the future of the teaching profession and its contribution to quality education for all. The profession is currently experiencing a certain malaise. This report will inform the policy debate both at national and Community level by providing greater insight into issues of special concern to the teaching profession and the ever increasing effort now invested in ensuring that teachers--the essential protagonists of education--possess the high qualifications and motivation which are the sine qua non of their profession. The Eurydice study also enables stakeholders to identify possibilities for action to improve both the quality of training offered to teachers and their working conditions. Appended are: (1) National surveys into the opinions of general lower secondary school teachers on their profession; and (2) Level of authority of bodies responsible for the award of salary adjustments and financial benefits to teachers with a permanent position in general lower secondary education. A glossary is included. Individual chapters contain footnotes. (Contains 15 figures and 10 online resources.)