Paper Details

Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in 2025 are operating in a rapidly transforming educational landscape marked by technological advancements, repositioned learning expectations, and the urgent need for high-quality school experiences during internships. This paper examines the reality of TEIs in 2025, focusing specifically on the internship component—arguably the heart of teacher preparation. Drawing from contemporary developments such as digital pedagogy, blended learning, competency-based frameworks, and increased emphasis on socio-emotional learning, the paper analyses how pre-service teachers experience, navigate, and evaluate their internships. It highlights the strengths, gaps, and future prospects of TEIs in equipping interns with classroom management skills, professional identity formation, assessment literacy, and real-world teaching competencies. Recommendations for a stronger practice–theory integration, improved school–TEI collaboration, and enhanced mentor teacher training are also included.

Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), Internship, Practicum, Teacher Training, 21st-Century Skills, Competency-Based Education, Digital Pedagogy, Classroom Realities, School Partnerships, Pre-service Teacher Preparation, Professional Development