Student Teaching Stipend Program (Support)
Background
House Bill 1375 proposes a program to provide stipends for student teachers that covers up to two semesters of student teaching, and a stipend and training for their cooperating teachers. Subject to appropriations, the program would provide student teachers and their cooperating teachers with fair compensation for their labor.
Issue
Student teaching is a significant financial stressor which deters many students from pursuing a career in education. Student teaching requires candidates to do the work of a full-time teacher – an unpaid internship in an era where paid internships are now standard. In addition, cooperating teachers inconsistently receive training or compensation for mentoring a student teacher. The responsibilities of a cooperating teacher are significant, and research demonstrates that effective cooperating teachers produce effective new teachers.
Rationale for Support
A stipend for all student teachers would significantly reduce the financial stress of pursuing a degree in education and would encourage more students to enter the teaching profession. The Illinois State Board of Education’s Unfilled Positions Data Report indicates that there are over 3,000 unfilled teaching positions distributed across the state that encompass all subjects and grade levels. In addition, a stipend and training for cooperating teachers would ensure the availability of effective cooperating teachers.
Support House Bill 1375 to strengthen our teacher pipeline and ensure all educators receive fair compensation for their labor.
How would the Program Work?
Administration: HB1375 proposes the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) as the lead agency, responsible for working jointly with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to administer the program.
Student Teacher Stipends ($10,000)
- Funds will be disbursed from IBHE to educator preparation programs (EPPs).
- Stipends can be distributed to students as either financial aid or wages.
- If underfunded, stipends will be prioritized for student teachers with the greatest financial need.
Cooperating Teacher Stipends (Up to $2,000)
- Funds will be disbursed through ISBE to school districts and early childhood providers.
- Recipients of the stipend must complete a state-approved training once every five years.
- If underfunded, stipends will be reduced in proportion to the level of underfunding.
Cost: Fully funding stipends for all student teachers and cooperating teachers will take an estimated $68M.
Evaluation: The program will be evaluated for its impact after three years.
