Pre-service teacher

How it is used

A formal term used mainly in research and teacher-education programs. In everyday speech people say student teacher or trainee teacher. A teacher who is already working is an in-service teacher, and training for them is in-service training.

Example sentences

1. The study surveyed 300 pre-service teachers about their views on inclusive education.

2. Pre-service teachers observe experienced colleagues before they teach their first lesson.

Common collocations

• pre-service teachers
• pre-service teacher education
• in-service teacher
• in-service training
• student teacher

Related terms

• teaching practiceThe period of a teacher-training program when student teachers teach real classes in a school under the guidance of experienced teachers.
• mentorAn experienced teacher who supports, advises and observes a trainee or new teacher, helping them develop their teaching.
• inductionA program of support, training and assessment for teachers in their first year or years of teaching, or for any staff member who is new to a school.
• professional developmentTraining, courses and other learning that teachers take part in during their careers to improve their knowledge and teaching skills.

More terms: Teacher Training and Development

• subject teacher
• lesson observation
• reflective practice