For

Great appreciation is expressed to my supervisor Jackie de Haas for her guidance, encouragement and advice at all stages ofthe research process, and for her patience and generous understanding of the personal and other setbacks which arose during the protracted writing-up of the dissertation. I wish to thank Professor Ken Harley for his encouragement and support. I should like to pay special tribute to the ten teachers who shared their perceptions and experiences with me and let me in to gain an inside view of "living in the interregnum " in schools. I trust I have represented their voices faithfully. The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without my acknowledgement of: • My children Jow'hara, Shahir and Shahan, who sustain and inspire me always, and who have waited so long to see the finished product. • Pat for his love and support, and for help with editing. • My mother Shanthee for her help with the transcription of interviews and for her caring support and love