In many states, teacher candidates are required to complete the Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA). Faculty at a Midwestern university recently piloted implementing edTPA completion prior to student teaching and revealed (a) an easing of tensions associated with edTPA completion, (b) a positive impact on the student teaching experience, and (c) the ability to use edTPA to formatively support candidate growth. Candidates successfully completed the edTPA prior to student teaching, which provided the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned from the assessment, set goals for continued growth, and maintain the focus on the intended goals of the student teaching experience.