Purpose: Grounded in self-determination theory, this study examined factors of secondary early field experiences that preservice teachers consider significant and how these experiences impact them as educators. Method: Preservice teachers (N = 13) completed two 10-week early field experiences, one at each level--middle school and high school. Data…

Field experiences are critical components of educator preparation programs. The opportunity for a teacher candidate to collaborate with an experienced mentor in an authentic classroom environment can be of great benefit to the teacher candidate, the cooperating teacher, the students in the class, and the reciprocal partnership between the educator…

The effectiveness of teacher-preparation programs to produce high-quality teachers has been an issue of concern for a long time. Teachers play a significant role in shaping students' academic achievement and social-emotional growth. Therefore, it is critical to focus on how teacher education programs, especially the field placement component,…

Inclusive education offers accessibility to school settings for all children, regardless of background or disability. This retrospective mixed-methods study examined the attitudes of teacher candidates regarding inclusive education, after participating in a unique year-long program on this topic. The study included 42 teacher candidates and 38…

To explore the impact of field experiences on prospective preservice teachers, this study examined their perceptions of their cooperating teachers' teaching efficacy and technology use. Using latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression, the authors applied a person-centred approach to determine if profiles existed. Results showed…

A team of teacher educators conducted a phenomenological study to explore the perceptions of teacher candidates (TCs), their cooperating teachers (CTs), and university supervisors (USs) during and after they participated in a redesigned seven-week practicum that led directly into seven weeks of student teaching. Data were collected via two surveys…

This pilot project examines the experiences of a small sample (n = 4) of elementary pre-service teachers (PSTs) as they designed and attempted to implement a series of short lessons, or mini-units, using Ozobots or Makey Makeys during their field experience. Results indicated that, despite the fact that none of the PSTs were able to deliver their…

This study examines the relationship between a preservice teacher's early field experiences and ratings given by their cooperating teachers during student teaching. Educator preparation programs have long been tasked with providing quality education to future teachers as they prepare them for a career in the P-12 classroom. Part of this…

This study sought to determine the impact of a highly supported field experience (HSFE) by comparing two groups of preservice elementary teachers (PSETs) all taking the same methods course, from the same instructor, within the same program. Each group was required to complete a 10-hour field experience. One group was in a HSFE while the other…

To grow and sustain field placement experiences, a group of elementary education university faculty members from a small private liberal arts university, examined strategies for teacher recruitment, retention, and recognition. Faculty members compiled and categorized data from cooperating teacher exit surveys, intern exit surveys, field…

This paper presents a study that investigated how mentors perceived their long-term relationships with teacher candidates in a secondary teacher preparation program. The study describes the process by which the teacher candidates and the mentors select each other and how the relationship develops, with findings that suggest that the length of time…

Research suggests that relational trust is important for teacher collaboration and shared learning. This study examines relational trust with a new population: teacher candidates and classroom mentor teachers (CMT). Our results suggest participants' (n = 16) perceptions of trust in mentoring relationships align with published facets of trust.…

This case examines the complex interactions among university faculty, teacher candidates, and school-based mentor teachers during supervision. In early childhood, among other skills and dispositions, the use of developmentally appropriate practice and an equity focus are important to the overall advancement of teacher candidates' practice.…

This research study examined the experiences of Black and Latino/a pre-service teachers who are enrolled in the BS/MS Teacher Preparation Programs within Florida State University's School of Teacher Education. Students within this study described their experiences in courses, how they navigated their clinical field experiences, and how their CTs…

After a tumultuous end to the 2019-2020 school year, it is more important than ever to cultivate new teachers in the field of education. Combining the experience of veteran teachers with the eagerness and adaptability of students in clinical practice (student teaching) a new form of co-teaching may emerge for the fall semester that covers both in…