Reflecting recent policy and standards initiatives, emerging research agendas, and key innovations, this book provides a contemporary overview of important developments and issues that have, in recent years, shaped elementary science education pre-service courses and professional development and practices that are shaping future directions in the field. Contributors from several countries--who are actively engaged in research and design in elementary science education--address: conceptual issues which impinge on contemporary science teacher education; intersections of content, pedagogy, and practice; and professional development as a contextualized practice. Elementary Science Teacher Education: Contemporary Issues and Practice offers a clear picture of the current state of the field and directions for the future--to the benefit of elementary science teacher educators, aspiring teacher educators, school policy makers, other professionals involved in science education and, ultimately, the millions of elementary school children who will gain from improved practice.