There's a Student Teacher in my Centre: Cooperating Teachers’ Perspectives

Recent research on teacher thinking and on the changing role of early childhood teachers has emphasised the importance of gaining insights into how practitioners themselves view their professional world. This article reports on a study which sought to express the voices of practising teachers who have the responsibility for student teachers during their field placement or practicum experience. The practicum is said to have a powerful influence on developing professionals, yet little is known about the experiences of the cooperating teachers who are responsible for student teachers at the field placement site. What is revealed are issues critical to the enhancement of university-based field experience programs. These issues warrant attention both within university-based field experience programs and within the context of increasing demands being placed on early childhood teachers.