In this article, the authors present the findings of a study conducted in the context of a national ‘contest of novices’ story writing’ in Israel (2004–2005). This study inquired into first-year teachers’ self-images, struggles, and concerns in the Israeli educational context, as discerned
from the 10 selected stories. The analysis of the stories uncovered content dimensions of what the authors refer to as ‘shady corners of teaching’. These corners revolve around three interrelated themes: (1) realizing the limitation of teachers’ capacity; (2) coping with the realization that vision is incompatible with reality; and (3) struggling with the multiple voices that operate in the educational system. More