Supporting Struggling Preservice Teachers: A Guide for Mentor Teachers

This resource presents the findings of a two-year study on preservice teachers who struggle in practicum. This study, funded by the Alberta Advisory Committee for Educational Studies, sought the tips and advice of ten in-service teachers and five school-based leaders who work extensively with preservice teachers and who have had at least one preservice student struggle in the last four years. The result was this resource which covers ten themes common to struggling preservice teachers and the schools with whom they work including isolation, modelling, feedback, communication, big-picture thinking, expectations, preservice teacher self-reflection, mentor teacher reflection, early intervention, early identification, and goal setting. Each theme is underpinned by relevant literature from the field and the advice from those interviewed. [Prepared by Heather L. Craig. This report is funded by the Alberta Advisory Committee for Educational Studies.]