Developing Creative and Critical Educational Practitioners

Book excerpt: This book encourages teacher educators to promote flexible and sustainable practice in their students, enabling them to flourish within an ever-changing educational environment. Research from the UK and US strongly indicates that a coherent theory-practice approach to teacher preparation is key. The book outlines what such a framework can look like, a rationale for it, and how it can work in practice for groups and individuals. It explores the notions of the reflexive teacher, creativity as a basis for practice, and criticality as a necessary underpinning for educators. The discussion draws on the research and experiences of teacher educators, student teachers and in-service teachers, from NQTs to Lead Practitioners and senior management. It proposes the foundational understanding for beginning teachers to join a community of practice based on scholarship, professionalism and ethical practice. This book is part of the successful Critical Guides for Teacher Educators series edited by Ian Menter.