This article focuses on the practicum, one of the more important parts of computer science teacher preparation. During this stage, the prospective teachers practice the teaching of computer science in a high school setting before becoming actual computer science teachers. The practicum is highlighted in this article from three angles: the prospective teacher's perspective, the MTCS course perspective and the university mentor's perspective. For each perspective we illustrate the importance of the practicum by explaining how it bridges a specific gap. These gaps are illustrated by two examples that focus on content and pedagogical aspects of computer science education.
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