Working and Student Teaching

Can I have a full-time job while Student Teaching?

The question is somewhat of an easy answer. No.

The amount of time needed for student teaching is fairly simple.

7am to 4pm for school time. About 9 hours a day.

2 to 4 hours of class prep time. This will take varying amount of time. Less at the start and more at the middle and end.

1 hour for classroom work. You are usually taking a class while student teaching. This will take time. Not to mention the reports and reflections you have to write. This also includes time for the portfolio items. Again this varies and sometimes can be done on weekends.

1 hour or more for grading. Again this varies at the part of the stretch you are in.


Let's add on to that a part-time job of about 4 hours a day. If you have a full-time job you are adding in 6-8 hours a day.


The other problem is of course, you need a good recommendation from your student teaching. This is really important for your long term future.

To be fair: My student teaching recommendation did not matter one iota. As long as I passed my current employer did not care. They were more interested in the other parts that made me a good fit.