<p>Preparing student teachers entails achieving <i>far transfer</i> of learning, applying theoretical knowledge from initial teacher education programmes to the complex realities of classroom teaching, especially in innovative learning environments. This study explored how teacher educators prepared student teachers to teach in innovative learning environments in Aotearoa New Zealand. Co-designed, semi-structured interviews with eight teacher educators and focus groups with twenty student teachers revealed teacher educators bridged the gap between coursework and practices in schools by: modelling teaching approaches used in innovative learning environments in schools and establishing Communities of Practice. These strategies appeared to support student teachers by enhancing their readiness to teach in innovative learning environments. The findings highlight the importance of aligning initial teacher education programmes with contemporary school practices and emphasise the role of teacher educators in preparing student teachers for the complexities of modern classroom environments.</p>