The administrators at Earlham College wanted teachers who entered its M.A.T. program to develop a "fire in the belly" to teach, and to have the ability to confront the realities of U. S. schools, including standardized testing (which seems at odds with passionate teaching and learning). Prior to entering the Earlham College M.A.T. program, candidates are asked to read Robert Fried's "The Passionate Teacher," along with Parker Palmer's "The Courage of Teach." These books emphasize the possibilities and power of the "individual" teacher in promoting student learning. Although standardized testing creates pressures that are significant and stressful, especially for a new teacher, the author suggests that the best way for a new teacher to face standardized testing and the educational culture it is to know the assumptions, values, and efficacy of that culture. The author also describes how the Earlham College M.A.T. program prepares its teachers for standardized testing and instills in them the passion of teaching.