The framework underpinning professional experiences (practicum and internships) for pre-service teachers has failed to keep pace with an evolving initial teacher education (ITE) landscape.
Professional experiences are facilitated by guiding and legal documents, which outline the roles and responsibilities of those who co-ordinate, supervise and undertake practicum.
A failure to appropriately resource these roles and responsibilities has adversely impacted the quality of professional experiences.
Supervising teachers are not provided with adequate release time or payment to undertake the significant work of supporting the next generation of teachers.
Pre-service teachers report dissatisfaction with practicum and internships due to feeling unsupported or, in severe cases, unsafe with no option but to drop out of placements.
Our union continues to work with universities and school employers to make professional experiences better and fairer for pre-service teachers and supervising teachers.
