This qualitative case study delved into the experiences of the first cohort of teachers who completed the Teacher Accelerator Program's (TAP) summer internship, exploring the professional development training provided to novice teachers by this newly established alternative teacher preparation program. Originating as a response to the local…

The clinical teaching experience is one of the most important components of teacher preparation. Prior observational research has found that more effective mentors and schools with better professional climates are associated with better preparation for teacher candidates. We test these findings using an experimental assignment of teacher…

This paper reviews some of the approaches and challenges to defining and assessing classroom-related dispositions in preservice teachers. 148 preservice teachers enrolled in a teacher preparation program were asked to complete an online survey relating to specific classroom-related dispositions that should be assessed, and at what point in the…

The increase of English language learners (ELLs) in the United States of America (USA) public school classrooms and the diversification of the global education landscape urges initial teacher preparation programs to equip mainstream teachers with appropriate skills, knowledge, and dispositions to teach ELLs. This paper reports findings from a…

Although standards for world language education have brought forth a needed shift in instructional practices--moving from traditional to communicative, proficiency-based methods--research suggests that many teachers have yet to modify their practices. This study follows three teachers at the K-12 level who attended a summer professional…

Leaders across North Carolina believe strongly in the potential for all students to read proficiently by 3rd grade. Yet despite significant effort and investment, only 36% of 4th graders are at or above proficient in reading. The Belk Foundation, in partnership with The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), The Foundation for…