Educator Preparation for deeper learning is grounded in the knowledge of developmentally supportive practices that help young people learn how to develop strengths across all developmental pathways: social, emotional cognitive, physical, psychological, moral and ethical. This includes knowledge of how to create an accepting, “identity safe” environment in which children can define themselves free of social identity and stereotype threats that will otherwise undermine their development and learning; are supported within their zones of proximal development; provide explicit instruction in social, emotional, and cognitive skills; and are engaged in educative and restorative approaches to classroom management. Educator preparation programs should also be modeling these practices and attending to candidates’ development and learning in intentional ways.
