This article presents findings from a sequential mixed methods study that examines how graduate teacher education students describe the experiences that either enhance or interrupt a sense of belonging before and during the university preparation program. The paper focuses primarily on analysis from two focus groups and demonstrates particular…

The purpose of this study was to identify common areas of strength and weakness in teacher preparation programs based on the perceptions of teacher candidates and novice teachers from 14 higher education institutions across three states. The areas investigated included perspectives on teacher preparation related to "Instructional…