Savanna Hoffman
Student teaching is an essential phase in a teacher's education, but it can be challenging to cover living expenses during this time. While some student teachers may choose to take out loans, work part-time, or rely on personal savings, others may be fortunate to have financial support from family or partners. Some states and schools provide financial aid, grants, or scholarships specifically for teacher education, and it's recommended to explore these options early on. Student loans can be used for living expenses, but it's important to understand the terms and potential consequences of misuse. With careful planning and a combination of resources, student teachers can find ways to support themselves during their training.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student loans | Can be used to pay for living expenses, but may not always be the best option as they have to be paid back with interest |
| Work-study programs | Some colleges offer work-study programs that pay student teachers |
| Part-time work | Many student teachers work part-time to cover living expenses |
| Scholarships | Scholarships can be used to finance living expenses |
| Living at home | Some student teachers live at home to save on rent |
| Federal grants | The Federal government offers grants such as PELL and FSEOG to finance teacher education |
| State grants | Some states offer grants to student teachers, e.g. California's CalGrant program |
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Student loans
Any leftover funds after tuition and fees have been paid can usually be used to cover living expenses. However, it is important to be mindful of how you spend your student loan money to avoid unnecessary debt and repayment issues. Non-essential or personal expenses, such as laptops, should generally be avoided as they can lead to more debt and make repayment harder.
Before taking out student loans, it is recommended to explore other options, such as part-time work, savings, or scholarships, to minimize debt. Additionally, students should start looking for funding sources well in advance of their student teaching phase, as traditional financial aid may not cover living expenses.
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Scholarships
There are a variety of scholarships available, offered by federal and state governments, schools, private institutions, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Each scholarship will have its own criteria and application process, so it's important to research and apply early to increase your chances of receiving funding.
Some scholarships to consider include the National SMART (Science and Math Access to Retain Talent) grants, which provide up to $1300 annually for eligible third and fourth-year students enrolled in science, math, engineering, and technical programs. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is another option for students enrolled in teaching programs who commit to serving in a high-need field in a low-income school. This grant can provide up to $4,000 per year.
Additionally, many universities offer housing grants to assist with on-campus or off-campus living expenses. For example, Youngstown State University offers housing grants of up to $2000 to full-time students experiencing financial hardship. Oakland University provides grants worth up to $4000 for students requiring assistance with housing expenses, with a requirement to maintain a 3.0 GPA.
To find scholarships that align with your circumstances and goals, it is recommended to use a scholarship search engine or consult with financial aid advisors. Remember that scholarships are competitive, so it's beneficial to start your search early and put together a strong application package.
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Work-study programs
The FWS program offers a diverse range of part-time positions, including internships, practica, assistantships, and teaching roles. These jobs are typically flexible, allowing students to balance their work and study commitments. The positions are often allocated based on a student's academic performance and specific skills. For instance, a student who excels in a particular subject may be offered a teaching assistant or tutoring role.
Schools play a crucial role in allocating funds and administering work-study opportunities. They determine which students receive work-study as part of their financial aid package and set the maximum earnings for each student. The federal government then contributes a portion of the student's payment, with the school covering the remaining amount.
It is important to note that work-study programs have specific requirements and restrictions. Students are generally not permitted to work during scheduled class times, although exceptions may be made in certain circumstances. Additionally, FWS tutors must receive adequate training before tutoring and are subject to specific guidelines, such as refraining from using religious materials in their teaching.
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Part-time jobs
Online Jobs and Freelancing
Online jobs offer flexibility and can often provide better pay than working in hospitality or retail. You can work remotely and set your own schedule, ensuring you have time for both your job and your studies. Examples of online jobs include:
- Bookkeeping: If you're good with numbers, you can work as a freelance bookkeeper for businesses, focusing on the administrative side of finance, such as payroll and record-keeping.
- Photography: If you have access to a good camera, you can offer your services as a photographer for local events, or even work remotely and have clients send products for staging. You can build your portfolio by taking pictures of friends, pets, and products, and then start offering your services to local businesses.
- Social media management: Many small businesses and campus organizations need help managing their social media accounts. This job involves creating content, engaging with followers, and growing your digital marketing skills. It's a flexible role that you can often do from anywhere.
- Voice-over artist: If you have a unique and engaging voice, you can create a demo reel and find work as a voice-over artist for social media videos, commercials, video games, and more. This work can often be done from home, but you'll need a quiet space.
Traditional Part-Time Work
If you prefer a more traditional part-time job, there are plenty of options that offer flexibility and can help cover your living expenses:
- Babysitting or nannying: Working as a nanny or babysitter can be lucrative, and some arrangements may even include housing in addition to hourly pay.
- Tutoring: Online tutoring companies, such as Preply, offer flexible work from home and pay tutors based on an hourly rate of their choosing.
- Service industry: Restaurants and bars often offer flexible hours, and tips can help boost your income.
- Brand ambassador: As a brand ambassador, you'll promote brands on campus, at parties, in stores, or around town. This job is often project-based and allows you to tap into your creative and persuasive skills while earning money.
Remember, when looking for part-time work, aim for jobs that offer a fair wage and consider the whole package, including tips, bonuses, and financial perks like employee discounts. Additionally, some employers may even let you cut back hours during exam periods, providing a more flexible work-life balance.
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Living at home
While living at home, you can also consider working a part-time job to cover your daily expenses. Many student teachers opt for evening or weekend jobs, allowing them to balance their teaching responsibilities and income generation. This approach ensures that you have some income to contribute to household expenses or save for future needs.
Additionally, you can explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Scholarships are often merit-based and can provide significant financial support for student teachers. Grants, such as the Teacher Educational Assistance College and Higher Education Grants (TEACH) offered by the federal government, can also offset the cost of your education and living expenses. Work-study programs offered by your college can provide you with a stable income while gaining valuable work experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Student loans can be used to pay for living expenses, but this may not always be the best option as you will have to pay the money back with interest.
You could apply for grants and scholarships, or work a part-time job to cover your expenses.
Yes, the Federal government gives Teacher Education Assistance College and Higher Education Grants (T.E.A.C.H.) to students training to become teachers. You can also apply for Federal aid and grants such as PELL and FSEOG.
Scholarships are another option for funding your living expenses while student teaching. You can try individual state education aid for teacher scholarships, as some states have specific programs for teachers.
If you are unable to secure a grant or scholarship, you might consider taking out a personal loan to cover your living expenses. You could also try to save up money by working during school breaks or taking on a part-time job. Living at home or with roommates can also help reduce expenses.
