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.