This brief from EdResearch for Action addresses challenges and opportunities associated with student teaching, highlighting the variations in traditional and alternative approaches. It underscores the importance of clear, rigorous criteria for mentor teacher selection, addressing issues related to compensation, training, and time constraints. Evidence-based practices, such as intentional recruitment of effective mentors, in-person training sessions, and feedback mechanisms, are presented to enhance teacher preparation. The author cautions against relying solely on metrics such as years of experience for mentor selection and emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach to avoid biases. The brief concludes by acknowledging the complexity of achieving an equitably distributed teacher workforce and offers valuable insights for improving the student teaching experience.