Can I student teach and be a teacher at the same time?

Question

Can I student teach and be a teacher at the same time?

Answer 1

Depends on district policy.

Answer 2

Generally if you are student teacher you gradually building up to teach the class you've been assigned to for the whole/multiple class periods. It depends on the program that you're enrolled in, and the need for you to do both, you'd need to talk to them since every program is different.

Answer 3

Jerry,

I was able to get hired as a lateral-entry teacher two years before graduation.  Once it became time for me to do my student teaching, I met with the Dean of Education at my university and asked him if I could waive the student teaching requirement.  He told me he would waive the student teaching requirement if I video taped myself teaching three lessons and submitted all of my evaluations.  So, yes it is possible to student teach and be a teacher at the same time.  It's a challenge!!  But, don't give up!!

Things you need to be prepared for:

1.  Your college Dean saying "No way!!"

2.  Your state teacher's liscening agency saying  "No way!!"

Tips:

1.Try to get a lateral-entry job in a low preforming school.  Jobs are relatively easy to get because the work is soooo challenging....and rewarding!!

2.Don't be afraid, once you have a lateral-entry position in hand, in going to the Dean in asking for exactly what you need.

3. Go into the Dean's office armed with tons of glowing evaluations of your work with children.  They will help you plead your case!!

Good Luck!!

Have an AWESOME day!!

CosmicKelly :)

Answer 4

I would imagine it depends on what state you reside.

In Washington State, we cannot teach until we have our certificate - that's after student teaching (and the West-E).  But some school districts, in Washington State, allow student teachers to hold some type of certification that allows them to be paid as substitute teachers in the event that the master/cooperating teacher is unable to attend or teach.

Ultimately, if you are in school now you should ask your school's certification officer about the rules.  If you're in a state that accepts No Child Left Behind, I'm sure you have new certification procedures that make finding your answer difficult.

Answer 5

I am guessing that you are wanting to get paid while you get your beginning experience.  The only way I know of is through Alternative Certification, but you would not be student teaching.  You would be completing an "internship" as a first year teacher, getting paid, but you would also have to complete ACP classes etc.  That is only an option if you already hold a degree though.  If you are student teaching, then you are most likely still completing your degree and Ed. prep program, so getting paid for student teaching is relatively unheard of.

Answer 6

There are some states, that WILL allow you to get student teaching credit IF you can land a job WITHOUT student teaching first!  This is pretty unusual, and most often applies to older people who have been instructing in a particular industry for a long time - to make them go through student teaching is a little superfluous and redundant, but required by state licensing.  If you are the usual gradutaion age - 21, 22 - then chances are, this loophole will not be there for you - but it does not hurt to ask.    At the point where my SON was going to start student teaching, we had a vacancy in my department, and my principal had no decent candidates - he would have taken my son as an uncertified hire, and let ME be his mentor - but my son would not leave his girlfriend in the state where he was attending college, to move back home with us, and do this.  They are married now, and both teachers - it worked out - but if this happened for HIM, it could happen for you. Call your state Department of Education if you have a serious lead on this.

Answer 7

In certain instances it is allowed.  In NYC they have a fellowship program where you teach while you get your education degree.  But you have to have a BA in a related high need field.  

http://www.nycteachingfellows.org/

I am sure if there is a district with a shortage of teachers, there will be loopholes.  

I know that in MI I was able to get paid as a sub for the days that my cooperating teacher was absent.

Answer 8

In some places, for some high demand subjects, you can be an intern and not do student teaching, or do a combination of internship and student teaching, but that is relatively rare.  In some places you can substitute teach while a student teacher.

But usually the answer is no.