Establishing professional relationships in practicum settings

Abstract The relationship between an associate teacher and student teacher is a crucial aspect of the practicum experience in pre-service teacher education. Establishing a professional relationship is critical to the learning that occurs during the practicum and is an element that requires a professional approach by all parties. This paper discusses a study which investigated the nature and substance of the professional relationship established between associate teachers and student teachers during a final block practicum. The findings indicated that for the associate teacher and student teacher to establish and develop a successful professional relationship both must be active in it.