PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Applications open this week for Pennsylvania’s new program to pay student teachers for their time in the classroom.
It's a strategy to address the sharp drop in Pennsylvanians seeking teaching careers. Between 2011 and 2022, the state saw a 70% drop in teaching licenses issued.
Starting Thursday at 9 a.m., student teachers can apply at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) website for a state stipend of $10,000, or $15,000 in hard-to-staff schools.
“The need, from everything we can determine, is significant. It wouldn’t surprise us if thousands of individuals applied,” state Sen. Vincent Hughes told KYW Newsradio. “They’re putting in full days at schools in their student teacher period. That’s part of the certification process. You have to do student teaching, but they’re not being compensated at all.”
The stipends are issued on a first come, first served basis. Student teachers who receive the cash have to agree to teach in Pennsylvania for at least three years.
The state legislature last year approved $10 million for student teacher stipends and Gov. Shapiro included $15 million in his budget proposal for next year. “Hopefully the demand will be such that it’ll drive everyone here in Harrisburg to appropriate even more money,” Hughes said.