Abstract
Why this title for an introduction to a book on teacher’s working life? We believe the title applies in two respects. First, teachers often feel that they have to climb enormous hills in their daily work. As some of the chapters in this book will show, teaching can be demanding, distressing and even painful. Teachers often have to dela with disruptive students, with red tape and bureaucracy, with large classes, new curricula, etc. On the other hand, teaching can also be very rewarding. Like the climber who has reached the top and feels intrinsically satisfied when enjoying the view from the summit, teachers have also moments when they feel encouraged when their students achieve their objectives, by positive feedback from head teachers or parents, or by experiencing the positive aspects of working in a team.