The purpose of this chapter is to describe the current research on and practice of the student teaching internship within music teacher preparation programs. First, the chapter discusses the importance of student teaching, using research-based evidence from interns, beginning teachers, and music teacher educators to inform the practice of intern placement, while highlighting the importance of finding the “right fit” among personalities, philosophies, and pedagogical approaches. Next, it provides an overview of the triadic relationship among student teacher, cooperating teacher, and university supervisor, including each individual’s unique role in the student teaching experience. The chapter then describes various structures and content of the student teaching seminar—the co-requisite course that often accompanies the internship. Finally, it addresses popular assessment practices of student teachers, include sample observation assessment tools and resources for creating meaningful music student teacher evaluations. The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research on the music student teaching internship.
