WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 869

AN ACT PROVIDING STIPENDS FOR STUDENT TEACHING EXPERIENCE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox

Connecticut bill proposes financial stipends for student teachers to reduce unpaid practicum burden and strengthen the teacher recruitment pipeline.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education
#students #teachereducation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 869

Legislative bill overview

SB 869 proposes providing stipends to students who participate in student teaching experiences in Connecticut. The bill aims to financially support undergraduate or graduate students during their required teaching practicum, which is a critical component of teacher preparation programs. This addresses the financial burden many education students face while completing unpaid or minimally-paid field experience requirements.

Why is this important

Student teaching typically requires full-time commitment for 8-16 weeks with little to no compensation, creating significant financial hardship that can deter talented candidates from pursuing teaching careers. By offering stipends, Connecticut could increase teacher pipeline capacity and make the profession more accessible to lower-income students who cannot afford to work unpaid. This may help address teacher shortages in the state, particularly in high-need subject areas and districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source: The bill's fiscal impact is unclear—stipend amounts, eligibility criteria, and whether funding comes from existing education budgets or new appropriations remain unspecified and could face budget constraints
  • Equity of implementation: Questions about which institutions, grade levels, or subject areas qualify; whether all student teachers or only certain cohorts receive stipends; and potential disparities in access across different teacher preparation programs
  • Program accountability: Whether stipend recipients would face performance requirements, service commitments (teaching in Connecticut public schools), or other conditions, and how this affects program flexibility and student choice

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.