Illinois House committee approves student teacher stipend plan

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers have reintroduced a plan to help student teachers get paid for their work.

A bill moving to the Illinois House floor would require the Illinois Board of Higher Education to distribute a stipend of up to $10,000 per semester for student teachers.

Advocates estimate the new stipend program could cost $68 million, but Advance Illinois is only requesting $10 million to start the program.

"Four months of unpaid labor in any profession is unethical and impossible for most teacher candidates," said Illinois Education Association Aspiring Educator Chair Stephanie Chávez. "Please remember that federal financial aid is not yet as equitable as it should be and heavily relies on expected family contribution, one that is not an option for many students, including me."

The legislation would also allow the Illinois State Board of Education to provide $2,000 per semester to eligible cooperating teachers.

House Bill 1375 passed out of the House Higher Education Committee on a 10-1 vote Wednesday night.

The proposal gained strong bipartisan support and passed out of the House last year on a 85-23 vote, but the measure stalled in the Senate.

"This bill intends to make the teaching profession more accessible, help address teacher shortage challenges, and increase the quality of teacher preparation in Illinois," said Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora). "Student teachers often have to quit their jobs or work nights and late evenings to sustain a part-time job on top of their full-time commitment as student teachers."