In this article, we share preliminary data of our small pilot study utilizing Democratic Queer Theory framework (Camicia, 2016) and mixed methods data collection sought to understand if teachers are implementing LGBTQ+ curriculum in elementary schools. When evaluating the data collected, we found that California credential candidates are not…

In response to increased accountability demands placed on teacher preparation programs across the United States, some programs are using standardized teacher performance assessments, such as edTPA. In our elementary teacher preparation program, a recent state mandate stipulated that teacher candidates had to successfully complete edTPA in order to…

This exploratory case study (N=18) took place within a merged special education and elementary education teacher preparation program in which all coursework was co-taught by university faculty. Through interviews and focus groups, participants described their perceptions of the benefits of co-teaching; candidates reported participating in models…

This study examines the content (i.e., pedagogical skill) and purpose (i.e., praise or suggestion for growth) of university supervisor written feedback in order to improve the quality of observational evaluation provided to elementary and secondary pre-service teachers. Interview data reveal key factors influence the content of supervisor…

Effective professional development (PD) can be a powerful tool in school success and teacher satisfaction; however, teachers often report their PD experiences as lackluster or not responsive to their immediate needs (Desimone, 2011; Guskey, 2009; Lutrick & Szabo, 2012). Teachers need professional support in today's educational environment to…

As public schools strive to provide all students access to and success with the general curriculum, potentially leading them to postsecondary educational opportunities that prepare them for fulfilling and engaging careers, recent federal legislation clearly reflects the need to ensure that all students are supported in achieving rigorous…

University-based teacher educators across the U.S. have become increasingly focused on making their practices relevant to the needs of teacher candidates. Teacher educators are engaged in a variety of approaches as a means to improve the preparation that they provide to teacher candidates, in order to continuously examine their expertise. These…

This paper focuses on what constitutes ethical-based practices in assessment and student evaluation. Pre-service teachers in education foundations classes responded to a survey in which they marked whether they perceived that the actions of an educator in evaluation scenario were ethical or unethical. Respondents had high agreement on the…

Prospective teachers can examine documentary websites known as "snapshots of practice" in an on-line "Gallery of Teaching and Learning" http://gallery.carnegiefoundation.org). Developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the Gallery of Teaching and Learning includes a wide variety of web-based "snapshots" developed by…