* Students enrolled in a teacher education program: These individuals are studying to become teachers at a college or university, completing coursework, student teaching, and other required components.
* Individuals completing their student teaching: This is a crucial part of teacher preparation where prospective teachers gain practical experience in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced educator.
* Individuals who have graduated from a teacher education program but are not yet employed as teachers: They may be searching for a teaching position or completing further training or certifications.
* Individuals who are changing careers and are pursuing teacher certification: They may have prior experience in a different field but are now working towards becoming teachers.
Essentially, anyone actively working towards a teaching career, regardless of their current stage in the process, can be considered a prospective teacher.