Chapter 3: “Passing” as a Teacher and the Dance of Supervision

The practicum experience is a universally accepted component of teacher education. The practicum offers opportunities for the application of theory and methods learned, formative feedback, and performance evaluation. Supervisors play an integral role in the practicum as both mentors and evaluators. However, as central as this practical experience is, failing a practicum is rare. In fact, research points to specific factors in the supervisory experience that reduce the likelihood of a teacher candidate failing the course. This article presents a case study of one supervisor and a struggling teacher candidate engaged in a phenomenon called “passing” as a teacher. It highlights how supervisors, teacher candidates, and other stakeholders collaborate, as if in a dance, to maintain their status in the practicum and avoid failure.