Rep. Barbara Hernandez Measure Grows Teacher Base, Cuts Higher Education Costs for Future Educators

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently passed a measure to establish an educator preparation program that disberses stipends to students taking the curriculum, as well as teachers administering it.

“I was lucky enough to grow up in Aurora and attend East Aurora High School, where I had excellent teachers. Every student should be able to have an experience like mine,” Hernandez said. “Offering low-income students a stipend while they earn teaching degrees is a big step towards addressing Illinois’ teacher shortage, and makes it more likely that my high school experience becomes the norm for kids across Illinois.”

An initiative of the Illinois Education Association, House Bill 4652 tasks the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois State Board of Education with creating a stipend program for students pursuing a specialized educator curriculum and teachers administering that program. HB 4652 received strong bipartisan support in the House and will soon be in the Senate for consideration.

“Overcoming the current teacher shortfall is key to giving Illinois kids the future they deserve,” Hernandez said. “This program will also open up new opportunities in higher education to students who might not necessarily be able to afford it, and allow them to give substantive contributions back to their communities.”