A Teacher Candidate Experience in an Elementary School Partnership

Layla Garcia, Grand Canyon University

Jena Akard, Grand Canyon University

The article discusses the reflective process a teacher candidate engaged in after completing two semesters of method courses at a local elementary school. The college and elementary school partnership allowed the teacher candidate to be embedded in the school, complete her field experience hours on the elementary school campus, and participate in school events. A teacher candidate reflects on her thoughts before, during, and after the partnership, as she prepares for student teaching. The partnership allowed the teacher candidate to consider collaboration with educators, build rapport with students, and meet individual needs.