Understanding the educational context is one of the professional practices in the British Council's teacher educator framework. It involves understanding the main features of the socio-cultural context and educational system (including educational policies) that influence teaching and learning. It also involves understanding local pre-service and in-service teacher education systems. An understanding of the principle aspects of teachers’ profiles, such as qualifications, experience and motivation as well as teachers’ professional learning needs are included within this practice. Developing an understanidng of the features of the educational system that support and hinder teacher learning and change is also necessary.