Flying Solo: Student Teachers as Teachers of Record

• In Event: Lessons From Clinical Practice

Abstract

In response to the national teacher shortage, teacher preparation programs are suspending long-held policies requiring student teachers to work under a mentor teacher and instead allowing them to serve as teachers of record. This qualitative study investigates the impact of such policy changes on the lived experiences of six teacher candidates during the fall of 2021 at one rural-serving, four-year public institution using Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as a framework for analysis. Results are organized around four themes (candidates’ unique prior experiences and qualifications, their stance regarding mentorship, the role of external validation, and candidates’ response to unexpected challenges) and revealed areas in which teacher candidates in atypical practicum placements would benefit from additional assistance from their institutions.

Authors

• Derek L. Anderson, Northern Michigan University
  Presenting Author

• Laura M Kennedy, Northern Michigan University
  Presenting Author