Small special education programs (SSEPs) are composed of limited faculty tasked with educating interns dispersed across large geographical areas (Reid, 1994). These needs underscore a call for more flexible educational program options. Moreover, Kebritchi et al. (2017) found professors in higher education institutions sought a variety of…

Researchers, using qualitative methodology, investigated whether an extended model for organizing fieldwork could potentially elevate the skills, knowledge, and dispositions of Elementary (prek-6) teacher candidates in this study. Questionnaires, focus group interviews, and observations from the pre-service and veteran teachers provided data on…

The authors consider the future of special education personnel preparation by responding to an overarching question: "What frameworks might teacher educators use as a basis to promote special education teacher effective performance now and in the future?" In answering this question, they summarize current trends in the context of…

During field experiences, preservice teachers are typically required to observe mentor teachers in schools, but what exactly are they seeing? This research examined the patterns and variations that existed with regard to preservice teachers' classroom observations during recent field experiences. Data were collected from 24 preservice teachers…

Physical education teacher education (PETE) students are given opportunities in "early field experiences" (EFEs) to observe and assist experienced teachers in schools. Typically, students are then required to do some autonomous teaching, to give them practical experience in the real world of local schools. Ultimately students will move on to…

Teacher education and the teaching profession are adapting to innovative methods to ensure the professional longevity and effectiveness of those who become educators. This is particularly important because of the early, and sometimes abrupt, exit of beginning teachers from the profession. Clearly, to mitigate such early exodus from the profession,…

Teacher education programs must continue to find greater parallels between the experiences provided to teacher candidates and what is occurring in classrooms. In this article, we describe technology use in schools, our courses, and our students' field experiences. Specifically, we describe the results of our efforts to mirror our teacher education…

This paper presents a model for implementing a field experience program in a technology-enhanced pedagogical laboratory where teacher candidates practice and reflect on theory-based instructional strategies. The model consists of three steps: teacher candidate preparation, laboratory experience, and reflection. Teacher candidate preparation…

School-university partnerships are promising collaborations for better preparing qualified and competent teachers for the realities of today's diverse American classrooms. Research has been conducted on many aspects of partnerships, but few studies have focused on partnered student teaching placements. In this article, a professor and five of her…

A field-based task-oriented teacher education model is described and its implementation in university college-operated schools (primary and secondary) is recommended. (CL)

General socialization theory is applied to the preparation of teachers in an effort to assess present structural defects in teacher education arrangements and to develop a scientifically supportable model of field work during a period of massive social change. The proposed model postulates practices for consideration and testing. (Author/JA)

This paper reports the results of the evaluation study of the Integrated Program, a special education teacher preparation model at Fitchburg State College. Course content is presented during formal learning seminars scheduled at schools in the communities. Students observe professional personnel teaching children and followup their observations…

The Salem Teacher Education Model (STEM) is a cooperative endeavor by Salem College, West Virginia, in partnership with the Harrison County Teacher Education Center and four West Virginia Public School Systems to design the best possible educational opportunities for pre-student teachers, student teachers, and teachers in West Virginia. STEM was…

Brief discussion of the field-centered University of Washington Model for Teacher Education and of some of the problems likely to be encountered in its implementation. (JS)