Then the cooperating teacher also needs a pay boost because the extra work having a ST is

It was a whole year for me. Of course, for the second semester, I was moved to a different teacher’s classroom because the first teacher had me sitting in a student desk just watching him teach. My professor didn't like that because I was supposed to be practicing.

Just wait until they make alternate route easier…. Have a degree in anything but education? You too can be a teacher! It’s easy! Just take some classes on line and pay some fees.

My bachelor degree at North TX State -- we started our sophomore year and continued thru Senior. For me that was 1973-75. It's not a new concept. I've had community college students and HS students doing the same in my career days.

In a perfect world, maybe. But there isn't enough staff to cover classes with 1 teacher, let alone 2. Also, I think teaching is something you really just have to learn by doing it. And sometimes the way to learn is by making mistakes and learning from them. In my state, first and second year teachers do have a mentor, but they are not in the classroom with the new teacher. They are observed by the mentor, usually through video, and available to answer questions and guide reflection.

AND student teaching and intern year MUST be paid. No one in this economy should be forced to do unpaid work while not being able to get another job to pay bills.

I'm currently hosting a Resident Teacher which is a one year program where someone with a content degree (like Earth science or geology) is my co teacher for the entire school year while concurrently taking their education classes. After one successful year they get a position in my district. Look up New Teacher Center. Done at VCU and SUNY UB.

And, there should be a stipend for student teachers. Working a full time job, paying full tuition, and having no compensation makes finishing teacher education really difficult.