Join Dr. Rebecca Wardlow as she unpacks the intricate world of teacher preparation programs. In this conversation, she highlights the pressing need to support new teachers, meet the demands of programmatic accreditors, and use data to evaluate teacher effectiveness. Dr. Wardlow explores the challenges faced by first-year teachers and the call for innovative, experience-driven models. She also discusses the importance of balancing data-driven practices with the heart of teaching and advocates for a community-centered approach to empower educators and enhance student outcomes.