SPRINGFIELD – To give Illinois student educators more resources and support, State Senator Mike Simmons is supporting legislation to create a student teaching stipend program.

“When we support our educators, we are in turn supporting a successful future for our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By giving student teachers more support they can continue to attend school, afford to put a roof over their head and support themselves.”

House Bill 1375 would establish a stipend program within the Illinois Board of Higher Education to provide students in teacher preparation programs with up to $10,000 per semester for up to two consecutive semesters.

The program would also distribute stipends amounting to $2,000 per semester, for no more than two consecutive semesters each year, to eligible teachers that teach students in an educator preparation program.  

“Student teachers often take on roles without pay to gain valuable experience in the field,” said Simmons. “Illinois should support their education and help facilitate their learning throughout our communities.”

House Bill 1375 has been assigned to the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee.

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