This study examines the validity of a student teaching evaluation instrument used in a teacher preparation program. Grounded in research-based conceptualizations of teaching and aligned to standards from relevant professional associations, the instrument is used to evaluate teacher candidates during their student teaching experience. To determine…

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of educators across Massachusetts when schools closed their doors to in-person learning for the school year. Online teaching and learning became the norm as teachers quickly adapted their lessons for virtual classrooms. Student teachers were among these educators, finding themselves…

This study aimed to explore the changes in developing perceived dispositions of preservice early childhood education (ECE) teachers influenced by student teaching experience. A convergent mixed-method research design framework was used to collect data for the study. The study sample comprised 86 preservice teachers enrolled at a public university…

Research has shown that effective teacher preparation should include both theoretical knowledge and experience. This is becoming even more important at the early childhood-level as funding for programs that prepare people to work in preschool settings. There is evidence that experience gained during the student teaching practice is most effective…

Graduates of special education teacher education programs can teach in a range of special education settings, raising the potential that their training can occur in very different settings than where they find their first jobs. We follow 263 completers of Moderate Disabilities programs in Massachusetts from their field placements to their…

This study investigated physical education teacher candidate perceptions on feedback received from cooperating teachers and university supervisors during their student teaching experience. We used a basic qualitative research design (Merriam, 2009) to determine the perceptions of five teacher candidates from a public university in Puerto Rico.…

The student teacher (ST) and cooperating teacher (CT) relationship is a key element in a productive practicum experience. A strained relationship inhibits learning, creates stress, and can lead to discontinuing the placement. The purpose of this action research study is to understand the conflicts that occur in the ST and CT relationship during…

This parallel mixed methods study explored self-efficacy and competence for literacy instruction among student teachers (STs) in three models of teacher preparation, including a residency model. Qualitative interviews were conducted with STs, mentor teachers, and supervisors. Quantitative data were collected using a pre-/post-survey design using…

Clinical field experience is recognized by many as the most influential and beneficial component of pre-service teacher education. The present article represents part of a larger qualitative meta-synthesis, the purpose of which was to explore the influence of the interpersonal dynamics of the supervisory triad--comprised of the pre-service teacher…

Reflective practice positively affects preservice teacher growth. Yet, in structures used to support student teachers, faculty often prioritize professionalism and logistics over pedagogical concerns. The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to describe the use of pedagogical documentation with preservice music teachers to establish a culture…

In the field of teacher education, it is well documented that the most influential part is the clinical component, often referred to as student teaching or the practicum experience (Cochran-Smith, 1991; Darling-Hammond, 2014; Evertson, 1990). During the practicum, there exists a triad of three individuals: a university supervisor, a K-12 classroom…

Elementary student teachers in both a yearlong and one-semester student teaching design were impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This phenomenon forced the closure of placement schools and their universities, and drastically changed the roles and responsibilities of student teachers. This qualitative phenomenology study sought to capture and…

Filled with practical steps for all the stakeholders in the student teaching experience, this article emphasizes the many ways that communication adds to student teaching success, as well as includes useful checklists.

This mini-ethnographic study explored virtual elementary student teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on mathematics instruction. It was framed using Ecological Systems Theory and Critical Pedagogy. Data were collected from interviews, focus groups, observations, and site documents. Thematic analysis methods were used to analyze the…

Coteaching, a model for learning to teach, places teacher candidates alongside clinical educators in classrooms. Learning occurs through shared practice and on-going explication of thinking and reflection. This cross-case study of six dyads from an undergraduate early childhood inclusive preservice education program examines ways that coteaching…