All college students pursuing a career as a teacher must go though a semester of student teaching. During this semester, students are taking on the role of a teacher, creating lesson plans, conducting paperwork, caring for students both on an emotional and educational level, physically teaching their class, and so much more. It is important to remember that student teachers are still students. They are typically in their last semester of college. These students are putting their hearts and minds into a workforce that they have dedicated their lives to, working full time and typically attending classes of their own as well. They have no time to be earning a wage to pay their bills. They are doing the job of a full time teacher, while being a full time student, and paying full price tuition.

This petition is to recognize that student teachers, are doing the job of a full time teacher. They deserve to be paid, or at least have some expenses coved. Everyone knows a teacher, wether it be a teacher you had in your youth or a friend or family member. They can tell you just how hard and draining, both mentally and financially, being a student teacher is. The least that can be done is require colleges to provide full tuition to students teachers. If the cost of college is covered, the less financial stress will be placed on the shoulders of our future educators.