This article considers the important part that practitioner research can play in the professional development of teachers. The case study illustrates how a teacher's interests encouraged her to investigate particular areas of her practice. She read literature about emotional intelligence and devised strategies to enhance her classroom teaching. She collected data through her own research diary, pupils' thinking diaries and a self-esteem questionnaire. The results were shared and discussed with colleagues. Though aspects of her research methodology can be criticised, the article shows how this teacher is developing her teaching and research skills through reflective practice.