What’s in It For Me? Partner Teachers and Their Role in Pre-Service Teacher Education in Alberta

Résumé

With multiple institutions in Alberta, Canada competing for quality partner teachers, the challenge to find mentors willing to share their classrooms with a pre-service teacher has never been more difficult. How do we motivate potential partner teachers to mentor a pre-service teacher during the practicum? This article will present findings from a small exploratory study on the motivating factors present when a partner teacher chooses to mentor a pre-service teacher. Second, it will highlight the power of conversation between institutions and the unanticipated formation of a multi-institution community of practice.