Clinical Preparation at the Middle Level

A volume in The Handbook of Resources in Middle Level EducationSeries Editors: Steven B. Mertens, Illinois State University and Micki M. Caskey, Portland State UniversityThis text highlights partnerships between schools and teacher preparation programs where candidates haveopportunities to learn in their coursework alongside teachers in the classroom in clinical settings, bridging thetheory-practice divide and helping candidates better understand the simultaneous and multi-dimensional natureof teaching and learning in schools. All of the authors in this text describe how their programs go beyond informalarrangements and include a collaborative relationship between the school and university. As a Handbook of Resources, this text provides detailsabout roles, relationships, expectations, organizational structures, and the challenges of partnerships, which will help those who wish to establisha clinically-based model and move confidently from vision to implementation. The authors of the chapters clearly describe the details of theirpartnerships so their stories can be a resource for others in similar contexts or situations. In doing so, each chapter highlights the different ways todevelop partnerships, as well as provides opportunities for universities, schools, and districts with established partnerships to share their stories,wisdom, and expertise and offer inspiration, encouragement, and ideas. The authors of these chapters acknowledge the tensions inherent in theprocess of developing, implementing, and sustaining an effective, viable partnership by providing insight into how challenges are addressed atdifferent stages of a partnership and what benefits, successes, and differing perspectives exist in this type of relationship.There are a variety of schools represented in this body of work--rural, suburban, private, public, large research intensive, and small private. Bydesign, we believe any school can find themselves in this text as the authors offer suggestionsand ideas that can be implemented in other structures. With that said, we want to emphasizethat the examples provided are meant to inspire creativity and possibility as programs developpartnerships rather than offer a wholesale approach or a recipe. Viewing the reader as theexpert at their institution, this text offers insights into ways to shape the ideas and structuresto fit their context.