Lawrence Baines is chair of the Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum at the University of Oklahoma. He has held academic appointments as the Judith Herb Endowed Chair at the University of Toledo and the J. Leland Green Endowed Chair at Berry College.

• Chapter 1 The Rise of the TestChapter 2 Trends in Alternative CertificationChapter 3 The Wal-Mart Effect and University-Based Teacher PreparationChapter 4 Teacher Certification Around the WorldChapter 5 Ethics and the Lack of EthicsChapter 6 Doctor, Lawyer, Plumber, Undertaker, TeacherChapter 7 The Teachers We Need vs. the Teachers We Have

If you've ever wondered why public school teachers in America are not respected as a profession on a level with lawyers and physicians (and indeed, plumbers and undertakers), you should read this important book. Baines convincingly, in plain language, tells what needs to be done to restore public school teaching to its once honored status—for the great benefit of students. I urge you to read it and act on the message.