Student teaching is examined in relation to Maslow's theory of human motivation that proposes an inherent human tendency toward self-actualization. It is pointed out that the majority of student teachers operate in fear as they enter their final phase of teacher training, and according to Maslow, they are operating at the safety level, concerned with their own survival at a time when they are asked to give to others. At least one study suggests student teaching does not have to be this way. A team of researchers identified six developmental stages during the student teaching experience that parallel the intermediate sequence of Maslow's theory (safety, love and belongingness, and esteem): (1) concerns with placements, school rules, identifying and ascertaining the expectations of supervisory personnel; (2) concerns about the student teachers' perceptions of their adequacy in the teaching role; (3) desires to determine the causes of deviant behavior on the parts of their students; (4) desires for evaluation and feedback from supervisors, parents, principals, and other teachers; (5) concerns for what their pupils are learning as opposed to what they are being taught; and finally (6) concerns for their pupils and the achievement of new understandings of themselves through relationships with their pupils. Results from research suggest that most student teachers do not advance beyond the fourth developmental stage--concerns for feedback and evaluation. It is suggested that (1) microteaching and simulation prior to student teaching have potential toward gratifying a number of the safety related concerns of the student teacher; (2) that student teachers should have the opportunity to establish close personal relationships with at least one teacher educator to promote feelings of belonging; and (3) that prior experience with pupils would promote feelings of comfort when student teaching. A three-phase program of exploration, skill acquisition, and skill-testing and revision is also suggested to help gratify student teachers' needs. (MM)