In recent years there have been significant changes in education across the globe, largely as a result of changing demographics, technological developments, and increased globalization. Relatedly, the changing needs of societies and families, along with new research findings, provide new directions in early childhood education. Consequently, early childhood teachers today are faced with higher and more complex expectations to help ensure that their students achieve their full potential. Such expectations suggest that early childhood teachers should be professionals who are able to draw on a robust knowledge base in making educational decisions. It follows that teacher education programs should develop and implement innovative programs that can potentially enhance the quality of our future teachers. An awareness of pressing issues in the field of early childhood teacher education led the editors to develop this volume. The chapters in these two volumes bring together scholars from across the US and the globe who are interested in improving the quality of early childhood teacher education. The chapters present their experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned as they addressed some of the challenging issues concerning the education and preparation of future early childhood teachers. The various issues and perspectives from different states in the US or countries across the globe provide insights into current issues and dilemmas facing the field. The contributions of these scholars should inform the discourse on early childhood teacher education and help those who work with preservice teachers improve the quality of their work.

In this edited volume by experts in the field of teacher education, Current Issues in Teacher Education combines forces from the United States and Canada to present and discuss positions on current topics and concerns in the field of teacher education. It provides an overview and multiple perspectives of issues rather than one author's position or viewpoint. This will allow the reader to reflect on multiple perspectives and to form his or her opinion and route for further action or discussion. Written in a reader-friendly style with accessible language, the book avoids the use of highly techni.

In this book, leading teacher education researchers from Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Finland, Hong Kong SAR, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, the USA and Wales examine teacher education policy and research in each of their contexts. The book highlights the connections and disconnections between teacher education policy and research. It examines contemporary challenges and issues in teacher education including how high-quality teacher education is framed, how teaching quality is framed, and the role of teacher education research. It also considers future policy and research possibilities and opportunities for teacher education research, equity and preparing teachers for work within contexts of super-diversity, and early career teaching.

This book focuses on current trends, potential challenges and further developments of teacher education and professional development from a theoretical, empirical and practical point of view. It intends to provide valuable and fresh insights from research studies and examples of best practices from Europe and all over the world. The authors deal with the strengths and limitations of different models, strategies, approaches and policies related to teacher education and professional development in and for changing times (digitization, multiculturalism, pressure to perform).

In recent decades, learning another language and educating people with appropriate skills that address the requirements of the modern world have become significant issues. Today, around two billion people learn and use English to some extent, and this number is expected to rise. In the same vein, recent rapid technological advancements have made it mandatory to adjust the education system to the requirements of this era. Currently, in the field of pre-service education, various new approaches are being applied. This book will provide the reader with the chance to read about and understand contemporary topics, approaches and methodologies in education in various fields. In this sense, it will be an essential resource for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students and researchers wishing to learn about the recent developments in pre-service teacher education.

Review questions to prompt thinking or discussion complete each chapter." "Teacher educators who work in the field and/or are involved with professional organizations related to the field will find the book to be useful at the college or university level. Policymakers, administrators, and other leaders in the field will also find the book to be an important addition to their library."--Jacket.