The lived experiences of clinical educators with implications for their preparation, support and professional development

The article reports on research into the lived experience of being and becominga speech pathology clinical educator, and examines implications for the preparation and professional development of clinical educators. The Lived Experience of Beinga Clinical Educator Model offers valuable insights into the nature of the role and the realities of clinical educators' lives. The model comprises six dimensions of being a clinical educator: a sense of self; a sense of relationship with others; a sense of being a clinical educator; a sense of agency; an endeavour to seek dynamic self-congruence;and growth and development. The model will provide a sound basis for the preparation and professional development of clinical educators, as well as beinga useful tool for personally reflecting upon their challenging role as practitioners.