If you’re a paraprofessional or teacher aide already working in a school, you likely chose an online degree program for one big reason: flexibility.
So when it comes time for student teaching—and you find out you may need to quit your job or go without pay—it can feel like a punch in the gut.
This is where many students at Western Governors University (WGU) start to reconsider their path. Let’s break down how student teaching works at WGU vs. Gracelyn University—and what it means for your schedule, income, and future.

WGU’s Student Teaching Requirement

At WGU, all teacher licensure students must complete a Demonstration Teaching term, which typically requires:

  • A full-time commitment (often 12–16 weeks)
  • Placement at a school different from your place of employment
  • No paid work during the placement period

While a few students may find exceptions, the policy is clear: you’re expected to pause your job to complete this phase. For many paraprofessionals and support staff, that’s simply not financially possible.

What Makes Gracelyn Different?

At Gracelyn University, we understand that most of our students are already working in schools.

That’s why we’ve built our program to support:

✅ Working during student teaching (whenever feasible and approved)
✅ Partnerships with schools and districts to align placements
✅ Guidance and support from faculty to navigate logistics
✅ Placement planning from the beginning—not just at the end

Our team works with you to explore realistic, approved options so you can meet certification requirements without sacrificing your income.

👉 See how our online teaching programs work

Why It Matters

If you’re already supporting students, you shouldn’t have to walk away from your job to earn the degree that lets you lead your own classroom.

We believe:

  • Your current experience counts
  • Your time matters
  • You deserve a path to certification that works with your life—not against it

Gracelyn helps paraprofessionals move forward without starting over.

👉 Meet our admissions and placement support team

A Quick Comparison

Feature WGU Gracelyn
Required to quit job? Usually yes Not necessarily
Placement provided? Yes, but often outside your current school Yes, with flexibility for paraprofessionals
Faculty support for logistics? Minimal Yes – throughout the process
Faith-based guidance? No Yes – mission-aligned mentorship

Planning Ahead

If you’re enrolled at WGU or considering transferring, the best time to think about student teaching is now—not when you’re three terms in.
Gracelyn offers a free transcript review and a clear roadmap to certification that takes your unique situation into account.

🎯 Start your personalized plan at gracelyn.edu/transfer4teachers