Navigating the Bureaucracy of Student Teaching: Student Teachers' Reflections on Learning and Teaching

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Learning From Challenges and Tensions in Field Experiences

Abstract

This qualitative project explores the realities and burdens faced by student teachers during the year-long student teaching experience. The study included a two observations and two interviews. Participants included elementary and secondary education student teachers. The project took place during the second semester of the academic year, while student teachers were in their student teaching placement classrooms, separated from the university, and under the guidance of a mentor teachers. The student teachers had a variety of experiences that told of how much or little the university helps and hinders student teachers’ experiences during their student teaching placements. The project demonstrates to university and school-level stakeholders the various levels of support needed by student teachers as they transition into becoming educators.

Author

• Anita Michelle Dubroc, Louisiana State University