Search results for: Garza Ruben

The goal of this article is to examine preservice teachers’ perceptions of their learning and teaching experiences in a mentor’s classroom during a year-long field-based placement in a high-need urban school. In addition, the authors sought to examine how the experiences contributed to their professional growth and development as future teachers. The findings indicate that preservice teachers placed in a year-long residency with a supportive mentor experienced a pedagogical fulcrum as they gained confidence while balancing their course learning, authentic involvement in the classroom, and praxis. Additionally, they navigated the tributaries of professionalism as they transitioned from student to educator. The findings suggest that preservice teachers benefited from mentors who were able to help them implement their course learning, and explained the nuances of their pedagogical approaches.