TeacherSims for Teacher Candidates

Incorporating the SchoolSims Simulation Library into your teacher candidate programs will allow you to provide experiential learning opportunities in a safe space, just like a pilot obtains using a flight simulator. Simulations enable participants to tackle difficult situations, make decisions, and deal with the consequences of those actions in a safe environment, gaining practice that they can tap into when necessary. Our simulation categories include topics such as equity, social-emotional issues, difficult conversations, and more, all while aligning with CAEP and InTASC professional standards.

Download the Simulations for Teacher Candidates Guide

This guide is a comprehensive resource that showcases the application of simulation-based learning for aspiring educators. It features detailed use cases illustrating how simulations can effectively prepare teacher candidates for real-world classroom scenarios. The guide includes testimonials from professors and students, highlighting their positive experiences and the impactful learning outcomes achieved through these simulations. Additionally, it outlines the numerous benefits of simulation-based training, such as improved instructional strategies, enhanced classroom management skills, and increased confidence in handling diverse student needs. By providing practical examples and firsthand accounts, the guide demonstrates the value of simulations in fostering reflective practice and preparing teacher candidates for successful careers in education.


Why TeacherSims For Teacher Candidates?

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about our TeacherSims simulation library. To learn more, please fill out the form above.

Why Simulations for Teachers?

A teacher’s involvement in a school has the greatest impact on student progress. Teachers that take part in SchoolSims acquire a better understanding of what goes on in a classroom and in a school as a whole. As a result, there is a more positive culture and climate at school, as well as higher student achievement.

What do our TeacherSims Topics Include?

Our TeacherSims topics include:

  • Classroom management
  • Diversity
  • Special education
  • IEPs
  • Student in crisis
  • Instruction
  • Parent conferences
  • Challenging conversations

Preview the simulation library here.

How Can TeacherSims Be Used?

Our simulations can be used in person or digitally in moderated group sessions where participants can choose a course of action together. As part of an individual’s higher education program, simulations can also be assigned and watched asynchronously. In either case, SchoolSims provides a risk-free environment where participants can practice critical thinking and decision-making to prepare for real-world challenges.

Check out our best practices here.

Who Should Use It?

SchoolSims simulations are an excellent resource for aspiring teachers as part of a higher education program for teacher candidates.

How Do I Get Trained? 

SchoolSims will provide training on our simulation library, how and when to use the simulations, and a one-hour session on how to facilitate simulations with Dr. David De Jong, the Chair of Educational Leadership at the University of South Dakota.

 

 

How Much Does it Cost?

The simulations can be purchased by the program or department. We also have a student pay model, which is like buying a textbook, but cheaper. 

Our Teacher Simulations Align with Professional Standards such as CAEP and InTASC

CAEP and InTASC Standards

Preview our Building Inclusive Classrooms: Defending Challenged Books Simulation
Learn How You Can Get Started Using Simulations For Your Teacher Candidates



See What Our Users Are Saying
Dr. Gretchen McAllister - Associate Professor Department of Teaching and Learning, Northern Arizona University

“Simulations, as many of you probably know, can be powerful for – and I’ll use the term teacher candidates, and for those of you working with novice teachers. We wanted a space where we could provide teacher candidates with situated learning. These situated learning opportunities foster reflective practice and connect theory to practice, but most importantly, my work is centered around this, providing an intentional space to have difficult conversations. We have found that in over 20 years, especially in teacher education, there’s no time to talk about racism, other forms of oppression, and how they play out in school spaces. We talk about it in theory but often in the classroom; finding space to have those difficult conversations just often isn’t there, and teachers, the same in the classroom. So simulations provide us an opportunity for a purposeful space where we can have these difficult conversations, and most importantly, we are committed to creating an opportunity to make mistakes and do it in a way where we don’t actually hurt children.”

See Dr. McAllister’s thoughts here or watch the Building Inclusive Classrooms Webinar she facilitated below.

Erin Murray - Former Superintendent, Simsbury Public Schools and Adjunct Professor, University of Connecticut

“I had the great opportunity of teaching at the University of Connecticut and I had my class last night and had the great opportunity to use a simulation in a group of six. I’m telling you they were standing up, they were leaning over, they were you know – the pure collaboration and the opportunity to engage in this manner and I love the proactive, as Dr. Mason put out there, they said they’ll do more. I don’t want to do it alone. I love the fact that there were six of us arguing about how we should answer and giving good rationale. For novice teachers, I can’t begin to tell you how powerful something like this would be.”