The theme for the 58th annual conference of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) was Bridging Cultures Through Literacy. In the first section of the Yearbook, Parker Fawson's presidential address captures the unique nature of ALER and its role in his professional development, and then moved beyond to capture the changing…

A proposal for early field experiences in teacher education is based on the goal of preparing a teacher who will act on developing principles and who will continue to grow in contrast to a technician who acts with no underlying rationale. (CB)

This article uses three vignettes to illustrate the pitfalls that must be overcome if classroom experience during teacher preparation is to serve the broad purposes of learning to teach. These pitfalls mislead prospective teachers into believing that central aspects of teaching have been mastered and understood. (MT)

A variety of performance experiences for the preservice teacher are provided in the prescribed visitation program. (MJM)

Australia continues to face teaching shortages in rural schools. Indeed, preservice teachers may be reluctant to apply for rural teaching positions, particularly as most have had no rural teaching experiences. What may motivate non-rural preservice teachers to seek employment in rural schools? This study investigates 17 preservice teachers' first…

The present study examined the concerns of teacher candidates in an early field experience. Thirty-five teacher candidates completed the Teacher Concerns Checklist (TCC, Fuller & Borich, 2000) at the beginning, middle and end of their early field experiences. Results showed that teacher candidates ranked impact as the highest concern, self as…

In Fall 2009 and Spring 2010, 30 teaching residency programs received funding through one of 28 Teacher Quality partnership grants awarded to establish or expand residency programs. These programs follow a model of teacher preparation in which prospective teachers complete graduate-level coursework alongside a year-long fieldwork experience in the…

In Fall 2009 and Spring 2010, 30 teaching residency programs received funding through one of 28 Teacher Quality partnership grants awarded to establish or expand residency programs. These programs follow a model of teacher preparation in which prospective teachers complete graduate-level coursework alongside a year-long fieldwork experience in the…

A rationale for including practicum and laboratory experiences within the teacher education program is discussed. The organization of these experiences within the teacher education program, as well as the responsiblities that various faculty perform, is outlined. Finally, the nature of the planned experiences that represent the core of this…

This paper focuses on conceptual and methodological limitations which have been identified in relation to research on field experiences. A point of view is offered as to how research in this area can begin to provide the kinds of empirical data which will be more useful for policy decisions. (CB)

Understandings of teacher experience and narrative that could lead to reconceptualizing teacher education are explored. The understanding of experience should be expanded beyond field-based and professional development experience to encompass the totality of a teacher's experience. (SLD)

Cruickshank's Reflective Teaching approach to practice teaching is reviewed, critiqued, and compared to Zeichner's (1981-82) critical perspective. A modified version of Reflective Teaching is proposed. (Author/MT)

A description of the Field Experience Program at Emerson College is discussed. (MM)

The study reported here investigated the relationship between early field experiences and the concerns of students preparing to become teachers. (CS)

Project Merge is a cooperative, field-based in-service and preservice teacher education program; it is a systematic field based, cooperative approach to teacher education, instruction, and curriculum development. The project has been field validated and is competency based. It has three interrelated phases: a) an in-service program which affects…