Excerpts from tape recorded interviews with 14 beginning teachers in slum schools form the basis of this volume. Written to help neophyte teachers gain insights into the problems and experiences of teaching in such schools, the book presents anecdotes followed by discussion of relevant social science and cultural anthropological theory. There are sections dealing with the first day euphoria, the early onset of "culture shock," the low status given by the beginning teachers, and the rituals which institutionalize professional status. (NH)