How did you handle unpaid internships?

I am currently a student teacher and it’s great and I love the kids! BUT it’s hard taking 8 classes going to work for free during the week then working normal jobs as well. How do you balance it all without feeling resentful for working unpaid for years?

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Pinkstarburst · 51-55, F

If you’re a student teacher, it isn’t working for free, it’s learning how to be a teacher. It’s actually a course. I don’t quite understand why you’ve been doing it for years though. You have to be certified and have a degree to be paid to teach. This is part of the process in getting your education in that profession.

Graciemac654 · 22-25, F

@Pinkstarburst it’s a two year program and I am working for free correction I’m paying to work. I’m not saying it’s not a learning experience nor am I saying student teachers should get paid the same as licensed educators. I am saying that most internships are paid but student teaching is not because it is not valued in society.

ImJack · M

@Graciemac654 teaching is valued by society.

Student Nurses and Doctors also work for free as part of their training courses.

Most university courses that have an element of on the job training are the same. In as much as there is an element of unpaid job based training as part of the course.

ImJack · M

Sadly you just have to suck it up, it is a tough world out there, don't overthink it.

Network, be helpful, learn, soak it up and grow. Life is not easy, getting that first job is very tough.

And make sure you get sleep and eat healthy food, you will cope.

But at some point put yourself first.

Graciemac654 · 22-25, F

@ImJack it’s just annoying because I’ve been offered multiple positions but I feel as though I can’t take them until I finish the degree. I think it’s less about the disrespect and more about the financial strain it puts on me.

Thanks for the response you’re right that there is something to gain from it.

ImJack · M

@Graciemac654 finish your degree.

Work is not always fair, follow your dreams.

funfan · 51-55, M

@Graciemac654 Are you still a student teacher now?

Pfuzylogic · M

When I was President of a professional vocational teacher organization, we developed a state grant to assist paying a teacher on a summer job working in their profession as an intern.

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Pfuzylogic · M

@Graciemac654
They normally paid minimum wage and the state matched it. This was in 94.

Graciemac654 · 22-25, F

@Pfuzylogic oh dam my state the min wage is 7.25 so I’m glad they don’t do that here. Lol

Pfuzylogic · M

@Graciemac654 It was $8 in 94.
I had to accept that my second year before I became President two years later. It was fresh on my mind. 😅

sspec

Affections & concern let it happen.

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