Student teacher stipends proposed

The Education Committee heard testimony March 11 on a bill that would provide stipends to student teachers who are completing their practicum requirement.

LB523, introduced by Omaha Sen. Margo Juarez, would establish the Student Teacher Compensation Act. Under the bill, the state Department of Education would be required to develop and administer a stipend program for student teachers, who could apply for a $4,000 stipend per student-teaching semester.

Eligible students would qualify for a stipend if they:
● demonstrate a financial need;
● are enrolled in an accredited teacher education program in Nebraska; and
● are in the process of completing or have signed a contract to complete a supervised teaching practicum.

Juarez said student teachers work long hours to fulfill their practicum requirement, leaving little time to work other jobs to support themselves financially. By providing compensation to student teachers, she said, Nebraska can support its future educators amid a critical teacher shortage.

“By financially supporting student teachers through the most demanding period of their training, LB523 ensures that Nebraska’s future educators are starting on stable ground as they prepare to enter the workforce,” Juarez said.

Tim Royers testified in support of the measure on behalf of the Nebraska State Education Association. He said student teachers are expected to do the work of a full-time teacher — including teaching, lesson planning, grading and attending parent-teacher conferences — without compensation.

While some Nebraska school districts compensate student teachers, most do not, he said, creating financial hardship for most. Nebraska could gain a competitive advantage over neighboring states that do not pay student teachers by passing LB523, he said, potentially attracting more teachers to the state.

“If we stay ahead of the curve, we are going to be able to strengthen our pipeline of future educators,” Royers said.

Representing Doane University and the Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges, Tim Frey also supported the proposal.

Frey said student teachers spend most of their days at school, some with long commutes, leaving little time for a job to support themselves. This causes many student teachers financial hardship, he said, leaving them mentally and physically taxed at a time when they are navigating the reality of being a K-12 educator.

“LB523 provides student teachers who demonstrate financial need with much-needed financial support to dedicate their energy, talents and passion to Nebraska students instead of worrying about making ends meet,” Frey said.

Penny Larson, a paraprofessional working toward her teaching degree, testified in favor of the proposal. As a single parent who must support her family, she said, completing her teaching practicum without pay could mean never entering the teaching profession.

“Without support during this crucial period, pursuing my dream — since I was in third grade — of becoming a teacher would be nearly impossible,” Larson said.

No one testified in opposition to LB523 and the committee took no immediate action on it.