Teaching practice in schools is an essential component of the professional practice courses for primary student teachers at the University of Waikato (New Zealand). During the first three years of their training, students have a combination of short term placement in normal schools, and longer blocks of teaching practice in other schools. During this time they are expected to gain experience in urban and rural schools with junior (year 1-3), middle (year 4-6), and senior (year 7-8) levels, across all curriculum subject areas. The practicum comprises tasks from both professional practice and curriculum courses. In their fourth year, students are expected to undertake action research projects for short periods in schools. The professional practice courses aim to empower student teachers through the development of a reflective approach to the process of teaching, the development of clear links between theory and practice and the encouragement of a critical analysis of educational issues. This paper outlines the principles underpinning the teaching practicum, describes the structure and organization of the school-based component, and comments on some emerging practical, theoretical, and political issues. (Author/IAH)