This hands-on course, geared primarily towards students interested in exploring careers in education, provides an introduction to the teaching profession and the PK-12 education landscape, both locally and nationally. The intent of this course is to offer a real-world view into what it looks and feels like to be a teacher in today’s world, with a particular emphasis on urban schools serving historically marginalized communities. Students in this course will learn about the Bay Area and national education landscape, hearing directly from teachers about their day-to-day experiences and their journey into teaching - their preparation pathway, what drives them to teach, the challenges they face and how they navigate these challenges, and advice they would offer to college students considering a career in teaching. This course will examine the importance of racial diversity in the teaching profession, classroom management and culturally responsive teaching practices. We will also look at national issues and trends shaping the field of education, such as literacy, mental health, school choice, and the national teacher shortage.