A major component of the Illinois State University (ISU) teacher education program is early field experience in a multicultural setting. The aim of this component is to enable prospective teachers to be aware of the needs of the changing school population and its cultural diversity. The ISU community-based field experience program is coordinated…

A carefully-monitored off-campus program for preservice teacher education students can be used as a preventive approach to teacher stress, burnout, and culture shock often experienced by practicing and beginning teachers. Anxiety, caused by a variety of reactions including low self image, threat to security, and fear, is a common element in stress…

An intern program for teacher trainees at Illinois State University augments the student teaching experience with experience in the surrounding urban community. The urban community experience is used as a vehicle to allow the students to look at their own personal strengths and weaknesses, their willingness to work with others, and their ability…