It starts with a look at how well-prepared incoming teachers feel and then reviews some data from PISA on teacher-directed and student-oriented learning, as well as gaps between intended and implemented pedagogical practice. After that, it presents initial findings from a first assessment of teachers' general pedagogical knowledge and then concludes with some policy levers to shape innovative learning environments. However, the first phase of their careers can be strenuous and stressful, as they have limited experience for coping with many new and challenging situations.