student-teacher

student-teacher — noun

1. a college or university student who teaches in a real classroom under the guidan

1.nounB1
Definition

a college or university student who teaches in a real classroom under the guidance of an experienced teacher, as part of their training to become a qualified teacher

Example

Kasia worked as a student-teacher at Westlake High School for one semester.

collocation: work as a student-teacher

The principal assigned each student-teacher to a different experienced mentor.

collocation: assign a student-teacher to

Common collocations
  • work as a student-teacher
  • train as a student-teacher
  • serve as a student-teacher
  • student-teacher placement
  • student-teacher program
Synonyms
  • practice teacher

    more common in British English; interchangeable with student-teacher

  • intern teacher

    emphasises the temporary, apprenticeship-like nature of the role

  • trainee teacher

    broader term that can also refer to teachers in non-practicum training

Antonyms

Usage Note

Often written without a hyphen as 'student teacher'. Also called a 'practice teacher' or 'intern teacher', though usage varies by region and institution.

Common Mistakes

The student-teacher graded papers in the staff room without a license.
The student-teacher graded papers under her mentor's supervision.
A student-teacher always works under a licensed teacher; they do not work independently.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms refer to someone learning to become a teacher, but they emphasise different aspects. 'Student-teacher' (or 'student teacher') highlights that the person is still a student while gaining classroom experience. 'Practice teacher' is common in British English and focuses on the practical, hands-on nature of the training period. 'Intern teacher' frames the experience as a temporary supervised position within a school, similar to an internship in other professions. 'Trainee teacher' is the broadest term and can include teachers who have not yet entered a classroom, such as those still taking education courses. In everyday use, 'student-teacher' is the most widespread term in American English, while 'practice teacher' is more traditional in British English. For example: 'She is a student-teacher at Lincoln Elementary this term' vs. 'He is a practice teacher completing his final placement.'

student-teacher ↗practice teacherintern teachertrainee teacher

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

A compound formed from 'student' (from Latin studēre, meaning 'to study or apply oneself') and 'teacher' (from Old English tǣcan, meaning 'to show, instruct'). The term began appearing in the late 19th century as formal teacher-training programs became established, notably with the rise of normal schools and university education departments.