The next generation of teachers will need to engage in innovative activities that carry risk! There is insufficient development of the theoretical, methodological and procedural aspects of secondary school teacher education, so that they are ready to innovate. The research reported here led to a model for developing the competence of student teachers to recognise risk when preparing for educational innovation. The model combines cognitive with practical activities, using interrelated targets, procedures and effective components. Simulation was used to help students to make and take responsibility for innovation. The article identifies the characteristics of the model and justifies the conceptual provisions. The aim is to improve the efficiency of processes for developing risk awareness in teacher education, and help them apply their knowledge, skills and experience to prevent and reduce risk in educational innovation.