Haskey Habits

Starting in September, the Medford School District will charge a fee for student teachers — $1,200 for students attending in-state colleges and universities, $1,500 for those in out-of-state schools. It will also charge $50 for students studying in-state to have a field experience lasting one to several days in the district, $75 for students who go to school out of state.”

“Medford mentored 30 student teachers in 2010-11. An additional 25 teacher candidates had field experiences there. Had the charges been in effect, they could have added up to a starting teacher’s salary.

“That saves a teacher,” McGair insisted. “That’s important to us, and should be important to colleges and universities if they are trying to place graduating students.”

—

Amid protests, Medford sets fee for student teachers

Heard of this article through word of mouth. I hope it does not become a trend.

Student teachers are already paying their school tuition, and I’m wondering what exactly they are costing this school district that would justify their asking for more money? How exactly does having a student teaching cost a school or its district $1,500? If anything the student teacher I had this semester saved the school district I’m in a lot of money by reducing paper use and embracing online work submissions.

It’s sort of a bummer of a time to be in the world of education, and stories like this are certainly not positive PR.

(via thingsforteachers)