5 BENEFITS OF STUDENT TEACHING

Student Teaching Benefits

• Receive Feedback
• Test the Waters
• Job Security
• Resume Enhancement
• Experience

Before an individual begins working as a teacher, he or she should consider student teaching. Teaching is a rewarding career because it allows adults to be a positive influence in children's lives. Experienced teachers typically gain more pay throughout their careers, and there is the added benefit of having summers off for traveling and other leisure activities. Read on for five benefits of student teaching.

Resource: 50 Best Value Colleges for a Teaching Degree

5. To Receive Feedback

In your work as a student teacher, you will undoubtedly be under the tutelage of a more experienced teacher. This teacher may give you minimal tasks to complete in the classroom, or he or she may have you handle more complicated tasks like instructing or disciplining students. As you work with the teacher, he or she will give you advice and feedback. You will learn what you're doing wrong and how to improve. This feedback will help you learn how to handle future students of your own.

4. To Test the Waters

Some people approach teaching with a positive mindset, which is good. These potential teachers were inspired by a teacher they had as a child, and want to be an influence in the lives of other kids. However, once that hopeful teacher gets into the classroom, he or she may continue this positive line of thinking or perhaps decide teaching is not the right career. Working as a student teacher will allow you to test the waters before seeking a permanent teaching position. This experience is invaluable. If you decide teaching isn't for you, then you have the option to search for work elsewhere.

3. Job Security

Teaching is a relatively secure job field. Though it is true that some school systems have tight budgets and often have to reduce their staff, there are always jobs listed for teachers in every state and region. Experienced teachers are often the most sought-after. Not only are experienced teachers paid better, but over the life of a long career teachers often earn a pension plan through the state in which they teach. Working as a student teacher will allow you to learn more about the teacher positions available in your area and help you understand which school systems are most secure and offer the best pay and benefits.

2. Resume Enhancement

Most schools require teachers to have some experience before being hired. The best way to gain that experience is through teaching as a student. If you are an education major at a college or university, your program will usually help you find teaching opportunities as a student. Be sure to include this experience on your resume and list the duties you performed as a student teacher. This section on your resume can help you get hired in the long run.

1. Experience

As a student teacher, you will be placed in the classroom at a nearby school. Though you won't necessarily be in charge of the entire classroom, you will still get the opportunity to learn from an experienced teacher. Ask questions. Take note of how the teacher manages the classroom. Learn how to deliver lessons in front of the class. All of these things will get you the experience you need to become a great teacher someday.

Teaching is a rewarding career with excellent potential for growth and advancement. For more information on the benefits of student teaching, contact a local state university or the department of education.