Studies have shown that both the departmentalized and self-contained models of instruction can help students achieve strong mathematics scores on standardized tests, and school administrators must consider their teachers and students when deciding on an instructional model. However, little research has considered the effect of the instructional model on initial license teacher candidates and school-university partnerships. Drawing from a Massachusetts college's experience with practicum placements for elementary candidates pursing a generalist license (Grades 1-6), implications for teacher preparation programs are explored as more upper elementary classrooms move to a departmentalized model for mathematics.