Chung-Backed Measure to Create Stipends for Student Teachers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, is uplifting full-time and student teachers by advancing a measure that creates a stipend program for those students and provides an additional allowance for current teachers who choose to mentor.

“Student teaching practicums are the most important experience our future teachers participate in while pursuing their degree but the financial burden that comes with student teaching deters some students from pursuing a career in education,” said Chung. “Students should not have to choose between following their passion and affording living expenses, and this program helps to eliminate the need to choose between school and working.”

The Chung-sponsored bill would create a per-semester stipend program for student teachers, alleviating the financial burden associated with this required classroom experience. Although a requirement for education majors, student teaching is an unpaid full-time job, forcing these students to either quit their job or not pursue a career in education. The program also offers a per-semester stipend for licensed teachers who mentor student teachers, incentivizing their participation in such programs.

“Currently, students have to choose between pursuing teaching and affording living expenses, but this proposed program would keep our future teachers from having to make that difficult decision and would encourage more students to pursue teaching as a profession,” said Chung. “Now more than ever we need to support our teachers, and that includes both our current and future teachers.