This study seeks to clarify teacher educator definitions of self-efficacy, how it is manifested in students, and ways it is taught in preparation programs. Data was collected through an electronic survey administered to teacher educators from three universities in the Midwest, Mid-South, and Northeast. Five key characteristics of Confidence/Self-Empowerment, Commitment, Ability to Meet Challenges, Innovative Thinking, and Facilitation emerged. The characteristics of Commitment and Confidence/Self-Empowerment surface as highly valued by teacher educators when describing self-efficacy. Modeling, individual and class discussions, and reflections on real-life teaching are the most common methods employed to develop self-efficacy in teacher candidates.