Question about student teaching...?

Question

I know that student teaching is pretty much teaching without pay for 2 semesters..so my question is how on earth do student teachers survive for that year working full time without pay?? I mean..if they have car payment, insurance, credit cards, maybe even children..how or what do they do..?

Answer 1

Most colleges ask you not to work during your student teaching year. Thus teachers must depend on scholarships (many that are available just for student teachers) and student loans. The truth is teaching is a full time position and you will spend your evenings getting prepared. I suggest you see what scholarships are available and ask for the max financial aide.

Answer 2

Two words - Student loans!  

Ha ha - I was lucky that my fiance paid my rent (I went to a school where we only did student teaching for one semester) so I am glad I didn't have to work.  I had friends that worked, though, and I know it can be rough.  

Answer 3

The same thing you did the 6 semesters previous to this year. This is still school and you get a grade. Don't look at it as working. Look at it as school.

Answer 4

Student teaching is a nightmare.

When I completed mine I also had rent, utilities, car payments and other normal bills to worry about. Luckily, I was awarded several scholarships and took out loans to cover my expenses for the year. I also found a very flexible part time job that I was able to make a little bit of money at through the first semester. I was also lucky enough to have some money put away in preparation for the lack of funds I'd suffer through.

Answer 5

I was a mentor teacher this past year. My student teacher was told NOT to work, which I think is ridiculous. I think that if you are careful with time management, it is completely possible to student teach and have a job on at least a part time basis. I will warn you, teaching is hard work and you will not be in the mood for anything too stressful after a full day at school. It takes a while to build up stamina for teaching. Wear comfortable shoes.

Answer 6

I was a single parent while student teaching and lived on student loans and a couple of grants.  Toward the end, I was able to get a flexible on campus job in which I could work as few as 10 hours per week.  It wasn't much, but gave me a little cash flow.  Check with your university to see about these kinds of jobs.  Otherwise, prepare for a strict budget.  It's not a great time, but it's well worth it!  Hang in there.