Looking back, thinking forward: From arts experiences to teaching preparedness

In 2023, the Australian Quality Initial Teacher Education Review found many graduates underprepared to teach in several key areas. As part of an ongoing study this article reports on Phase Two data (n = 60, 2025) across three Australian universities regarding ITE student perceptions of Art forms they feel most and least prepared to teach. Using a Qualtrics survey data were coded and analysed thematically. Respondents identified either Visual Arts or Drama as most prepared to teach, and Music, Dance and Media Arts were not as strongly represented. In ‘looking back, thinking forward’ we contend that prior experience in the Arts matters to ensure gaps in student knowledge are addressed and encourage colleagues to collaborate in de-siloed ways. We recommend the nuancing of ITE teaching to co-design content to accommodate student experiences while encouraging peer mentoring. In this way, ITE graduates may feel more prepared to include the Arts in primary classrooms.