Why is so much student teaching required without pay?

Question

I understand that you have to do some sort of student teaching.

However, 14 weeks in my state without any pay?

No wonder we have such a teacher shortage. I've changed my minor and decided not to teach because of this.

With gas prices high having to work all day without getting paid for five days a week? lol

I knew this from the beginning but now it's hitting me like a strike of lightning!

I think the state board of educations from the states are definately going to have to lower student teaching time or provide some type of compensation for this.

Answer 1

you are not getting paid for student teaching because it is considered part of your college class. You do not teach a full load - it is usually a class or two a day - to give you the idea of pacing, planning and assessment in real time. You also do not get paid for your college classes.

We all did it.

Take the 4 months of debt. think of it as more college fees.

4 months of debt for a career. If its such a burden to you, then the little extras we all teachers put up with will also be an issue with you later - supplies out of your own pocket, massive time investment away from the school site obligations, workload issues.

Answer 2

I agree this is hard. I  am now a teacher, half way through my first year, yet a substantial amount of my pay goes into debts acquired when I was a student (one, I will admit, is an overseas trip, however I have multiple debts from time without income, to falling through a shower and having to get that fixed).

I understand and agree with having a student teacher period, but think that regardless of what country you train in, you should be given a small stipend, to at least cover living costs and petrol (I am in NZ).

I also found that I had numerous costs in starting out, from materials for my classroom walls, to a more 'professional' wardrobe.

Finances can make it very challengin to begin teaching. It is worth it however, and I do not regret studying teaching.