Teacher Candidate Perceptions

Teacher candidates go through the Bachelor of Education program and experience a multitude of learning experiences. As such, teacher candidates will experience a variety of situations, challenges, and emotions that will change their perspectives about their Bachelor of Education program and the teaching profession itself. This study provides insight on the experiences and perceptions of teacher candidates, and how these may vary between first- and second-year candidates. 47 participants from across Ontario volunteered to participate in this study. The data in this mixed methods study were analysed in two phases. First, survey data were analysed using data validation, partitioning, and coding. Second, interview data reduction and systematic coding were used to develop themes. The findings of this study identified the most and least engaging aspects of Bachelor of Education programs, emotions evoked throughout, challenges faced, impactful components, and recommendations that teacher candidates have with respect to instructional methods and delivery, supports, and modifications that should be made available to future teacher candidates.