To further strengthen the case for paid student teaching and ensure that future educators receive the support they need, your voice matters.
Last year, Governor Murphy supported the Student-Teacher Stipend Pilot Program, providing $3,000 stipends to student-teachers during their full-time clinical practice semester at approved New Jersey Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). This funding helped cover essential living costs, such as housing, nutrition, and education expenses, while they completed their training.
Additionally, Bill A5420, introduced in May 2023, proposes expanding the stipend program to offer eligible students up to $7,200 per semester for two academic semesters. This bill is part of ongoing efforts to address the state’s public school staff shortages. In response, Governor Murphy allocated $10 million in the state budget to continue this support in the 2024-25 academic year.
NJAEA Leadership continues to advocate for legislation to both increase these stipends and make student-teaching stipends a permanent part of state law. Aspiring educators deserve fair compensation for their work.
The National Education Association is also working to end unjust unpaid student teaching. Your student teaching story (past or present) is NEEDED to advocate for a more accessible path to becoming an educator.
Please take the Paid Student Teaching Survey below to share your student teaching experience, successes, and challenges around paid student teaching efforts. Estimated form completion time 5-15 minutes. Please also share the survey widely.
Related
NEA Aspiring Educators Lead Movement for Paid Student Teaching – NEA Today, Oct. 8, 2024