Moments that matter: how critical incidents shape the well-being of student teachers during their practicum

Practical experiences during teacher education significantly impact student teachers’ well-being, yet little is known about the specific incidents that trigger changes. Drawing on data from student teachers in Germany, this study examined 567 critical incidents reported by 146 participants over six weeks of their 15-week practicum to understand how these moments shape well-being. The findings reveal that positive experiences were more frequent and had a strong influence on student teachers’ emotional and professional development. Moments of student praise, faculty inclusion, and classroom success fostered joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Successfully managing classrooms, engaging students, and overcoming challenges further strengthened their confidence and professional identity. In contrast, negative experiences, though less common, had a detrimental impact on well-being. Student teachers reported frustration and self-doubt arising from isolation, lack of mentor support, dismissive parents, and classroom difficulties. These moments undermined their confidence and sense of preparedness for teaching. The findings highlight that, as student teachers adjust to the realities of teaching, the situations they typically encounter have significant power in shaping their well-being. These moments represent critical points of reflection, where student teachers assess their ability to meet the demands of the role, which impacts their job-related well-being.