Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support teacher candidates who are completing their student teaching by providing financial assistance. This approach is intended to alleviate financial burdens and encourage more individuals to pursue teaching.

Main Provisions

• Appropriation of Funds: The bill allocates $20 million from the general fund for the fiscal year 2026 to support teacher candidates during their student teaching period.
• Grant Distribution: The Department of Education will award a grant to a nonprofit organization to distribute stipends to teacher candidates. To be eligible, candidates must engage in at least 12 weeks of student teaching in programs approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
• Stipend Details: The stipends are to be provided based on the length of the student teaching program. Candidates are to be compensated at a minimum rate of $15 per hour without impacting their financial aid packages.
• Grant Administration: Up to 5% of the grant funds can be utilized by the nonprofit organization and the Department of Education for administrative purposes.

Significant Changes

• Introduction of Stipends for Student Teachers: This bill introduces financial support for student teachers, which is not part of the existing financial aid system.
• Focus on Nonprofit Management: The use of a nonprofit organization to manage and distribute the stipends is emphasized, ensuring expertise in handling sensitive information and efficiency in distribution.

Relevant Terms

• Student teaching
• Teacher candidates
• Stipends
• Education finance
• Nonprofit organization
• Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board