"Educators have increasingly demonstrated commitment to, and invested much effort in advancing the cause of pastoral care, action research, and the status of teaching as a profession, over the last two decades. What is largely unrecognized is how these areas of education are linked. A shared focus of attention—evident in educational literature and professional practice—however, constitutes only a minor nexus between and among these three emerging areas of education. Noteworthy and central to all three areas appears to be the idea of making a difference in the lives of others. This article explores some of the challenges and complexities inherent in existing and potential linkages, including some disjunctions, and their implication for teachers."