Student teacher stipend could help college students pay bills

SALT LAKE CITY — A new student teacher stipend will give future educators money while they finish their degree. 

During their last semester of college, students studying education often complete one semester of student teaching. They enter the classroom and interact with real students, under the guidance of an already-working teacher.

“So previously … this has been completely unpaid,” said Rep. Karen Peterson. “We’ve asked them to do this full-time, in addition to paying their tuition, figuring out how to manage a classroom and create lesson plans, coordinating with parents, and work with special education students. All of that is a lot of work.” 

Peterson said she’s heard stories of students camping during their student teaching semester. They could not afford to pay rent. 

“We can do better for student teachers,” said Peterson. 

According to the Utah State Board of Education website, a new program will change that during the 2024-25 school year. Each eligible applicant will receive $6,000. 

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers passed H.B. 221, a bill titled “Stipends for Future Educators.” It allocated $8.4 million to the stipend program. 

The bill only approved funding for one year. It is currently unknown if more funding will be approved. 

Student teacher stipend criteria

Per the website, student teachers must be enrolled in a Utah college or university’s teacher training program and complete their student teaching in a public school. 

Participants cannot receive a scholarship or grant from the Department of Workforce Services or the Grow Your Own grant. 

Additionally, the student teacher stipend is available to anyone who began their student teaching after July 1, 2024 per the Board of Education website. 

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