The Greatest Divide: Making Teacher Preparation (Ir)Relevant

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Middle Level Research on Teacher Preparation (Table 3)

Abstract

Since the advent of teacher education there has been a divide between what we teach in educator preparation coursework and what preservice teachers experience in field placements. The authors bring combined expertise as teacher educators and field supervisors, having worked closely with pre-service teachers across elementary, middle, and K-8 grade levels. The vastly changing shift and focus on classrooms along with significant education reforms and calls to action include programs that prepare educators (AMLE, n.d.). This shift in focus and the divide threatens the relevancy of teacher education programs, thus there is a need for remedy and repair. This session examines the critical gap in our research and implications to address strengthening teacher preparation programs for the future.

Authors

• Toni M. Williams, University of South Carolina

• Christina M. Tschida, Appalachian State University

• Brian R. Sevier, California State University - Channel Islands