Student teaching is considered to be the single most powerful learning experience in teacher preparation. Although much has been made of its importance, surprisingly little research has been conducted specifically on student teaching, which some claim has remained unchanged for a century. Because student teaching is nearly universal in a field with wide-ranging practices even within a single institution of higher education, the possibility of modification in student teaching to lead reform in teacher preparation is quite strong. The authors present a history of student teaching, theory, practice, and policy; review the research literature, past and present; and present practical guidelines for reform that align with evidence.

Student teaching is considered to be the single most powerful learning experience in teacher preparation. Although much has been made of its importance, surprisingly little research has been conducted specifically on student teaching, which some claim has remained unchanged for a century. Because student teaching is nearly universal in a field with wide-ranging practices even within a single institution of higher education, the possibility of modification in student teaching to lead reform in teacher preparation is quite strong. The authors present a history of student teaching, theory, practice, and policy; review the research literature, past and present; and present practical guidelines for reform that align with evidence.

Have an idea to change your classroom? Your school? The school system? This workbook is a practical guide to innovation aimed at supporting practicing educators and school administrators. It walks educators from idea generation through planning, problem-solving, implementation, evaluation, and growth and development. The benefit of this workbook is that it can be seen as an antidote to the pressures felt by teachers almost universally in today's schools. It provides educators with a means to push back, to create and innovate despite the many challenges in their workplaces. This research-based tool supports teacher professionalism and complements professional development plans. It provides seven concrete steps with accompanying blank worksheets as well as four complete diverse examples to guide readers' work. Practical organization, careful planning, and thorough evaluation are emphasized throughout. In sum, the workbook allows teachers to rediscover why they entered the profession in the first place - to make a difference.