What Is Student Teaching?

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You’re about to graduate college with your teaching degree. But there’s one more thing you have to complete — your student teaching experience. You may feel nervous or excited — or a combination of both — to start working in a classroom. But this is what your coursework has prepared you for.

So what is student teaching exactly? How long does the experience last? Do you get paid for it? We answer these questions and more below.

Student teaching is a significant milestone in becoming a certified teacher. You’ll typically complete this hands-on experience near the conclusion of your teaching degree or teacher certification program.

Student teaching is usually a full-time commitment lasting at least 13 weeks in which you progressively assume all teaching duties. These responsibilities range from daily classroom operations and lesson planning to creating an organized, secure environment for students.

This immersive experience allows you to implement the knowledge and skills you learned from your studies in a real classroom setting. You’ll work closely with your guiding teacher and receive continuous feedback.

In addition to your in-class duties, you may participate in seminars or workshops, allowing you to reflect on your experiences and share insights with your peers.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

As a student teacher, you’ll have many of the same responsibilities as a regular classroom teacher, which span from taking attendance and maintaining student records to developing lesson plans and materials.

You’ll also need to handle classroom management and take care of students’ social and emotional needs as they learn the subject matter.

Like a regular teacher, you’ll have to dress appropriately, handle sensitive information carefully, attend meetings with parents and other faculty, and cultivate professional relationships.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with — and strictly follow — the school’s guidelines and make sure students follow them as well.

Absolutely! The practical experience and mentorship gained through student teaching can open doors to job opportunities. In some cases, especially in subjects where teachers are in high demand, student teachers receive job offers even before they finish their student teaching assignments.

But aside from including your student teaching experience on your resume, how else can student teaching help you land a job after college?

Student teaching gives you the opportunity to hone your teaching abilities with guidance from an experienced classroom teacher. This means that, after you land a teaching job, you’ll be more prepared to handle a classroom on your own. You’ll also develop a deeper understanding of the profession’s demands, which are crucial for a successful long-term career in education.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 22, 2024.