Evidence shows that despite the increasing heterogeneity of European classrooms in the context of international migration and mobility, the teaching population remains largely homogenous and ill-prepared to teach students from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. ITE should effectively equip teachers with relevant intercultural and linguistically responsive competences and the ability to reflect on their own beliefs and differences. There is an increasing need to challenge the current negative perceptions of diversity, to recognise its benefits and promote equality and inclusion across education systems. This symposium will present new evidence on the way student teachers are prepared for diversity in Europe. It will comprise three presentations on: - Teacher competences for diversity: role of ITE to prepare student teachers’ competences to teach diverse classrooms, and to teach about the increasing diversity in Europe. What specific learning outcomes, (in terms of knowledge, attitudes and skills) should teacher competences for diversity focus on? - The role of ITE curricula: how can ITE curricula better reflect diversity-related issues? This presentation will discuss the evidence of the variety of initiatives effectively tackling diversity in ITE curricula (courses, transversal modules, practical training initiatives, etc.), as well as touch upon the issue of the preparedness of teacher educators. - Developing a supportive culture: the importance of political support and commitment, stakeholder cooperation, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance in ITE.