The article reports on research into the lived experience of being and becoming a speech pathology clinical educator, and examines implications for the preparation and professional development of clinical educators. The Lived Experience of Being a 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 being a useful tool for personally reflecting upon their challenging role as practitioners.