This article reports on the findings of 25 associate teacher surveys and six associate teacher interviews collected between June 2008 and February 2009. The survey invited associate teachers to report on the preparedness of student teachers, including their strengths, weaknesses, and how well prepared they were for the realities of becoming a teacher. Findings indicate that associate teachers believe that bachelor of education programs place too much emphasis on detailed lesson planning, that student teachers are weakest in the areas of classroom management and assessment and evaluation, and that student teachers underestimate the level of commitment required for the profession of teaching. Associate teachers point to the increasingly complex nature of the classroom, children's lives, and the implementation of differentiated learning as challenges facing student teachers. Their perspectives shed light on the need to rethink student teacher preparation. (Contains 1 figure.)