ABSTRACT
Teacher education begins with preservice teacher preparation and continues through induction, mentoring, professional development, and lifelong learning. Along this trajectory, candidates typically participate in school based practical experiences. As a fluid system in teacher preparation, partnership reform efforts begin at the EPP level, extend across Pre-K-12 education and the community at large, and reflect organizational accountability and expansion of leadership roles among all partners involved in teacher preparation. In terms of continuous improvement of inservice teachers, university-district partnerships can undertake activities designed to improve the academic content knowledge of teachers as well as providing current pedagogical thinking and instructional strategies. Typically, practicum/clinical placements include local school programs for gifted students, university-based Saturday and summer programs, and other settings conducive to working with gifted students. Community partners are composed of local businesses and corporations including nonprofit organizations and other community members, entities, and organizations.
