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H 679

An Act relative to student teacher pay

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Reid

Mass. bill would create a state-funded $4,500 student-teacher stipend (two $2,250 installments) for approved placements starting 2026-27, with oversight and possible recoupment.

Hearing scheduled for 12/02/2025 from 01:00 PM-02:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 679

Summary of H.679: An Act relative to student teacher pay

Overview

H.679 is a Massachusetts bill introduced February 27, 2025, to establish a state-funded stipend program for student teachers. The bill would insert a new section (Section 38G) into Chapter 71 of the General Laws and create a framework for paying student teachers during approved educator preparation program placements in public schools. The measure is contingent on future appropriations and would begin applying to placements starting with the 2026-2027 academic term.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions

    • “Department” = Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
    • “Educator preparation program” = a teacher preparation program approved by DESE and offered by a public institution of higher education in Massachusetts.
    • “Public institution of higher education” = a public college or university in Massachusetts.
    • “Student teacher” = an individual enrolled in an approved educator preparation program at a public institution and actively fulfilling student-teaching requirements in a public school district under licensed supervision.

  • Stipend Amount and Payment

    • Each student teacher would receive a total stipend of $4,500 for the placement, paid in two equal installments of $2,250.
    • The first installment must be paid by the school district within 30 days after the student teacher’s official start date; the second installment within 30 days after satisfactory completion of the placement.
    • The stipend is in addition to any other compensation or financial aid the student teacher may receive.

  • Funding and Administration

    • The DESE would disburse funds to each school district, subject to appropriation, to cover stipend obligations. Districts would be responsible for administering payments to eligible student teachers.

  • Regulation and Oversight

    • DESE, in consultation with districts and public colleges/universities, would promulgate regulations to implement the program, including requirements for district recordkeeping, verification of enrollment/status, and guidelines for recouping payments if a placement is not completed.

  • Withdrawal, Termination, and Recoupment

    • If a student teacher withdraws, is terminated, or does not complete the placement, they forfeit the second installment. If withdrawal/termination occurs after the first installment, a district may seek reimbursement for the unearned portion of that first installment, proportionate to service completed.

  • Reporting and Evaluation

    • Districts must submit an annual report detailing the number of stipends paid, total amounts disbursed, and other required information.
    • DESE must analyze the data and provide a summary report by December 31 each year to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Education and the clerks of the House and Senate.

Effective Date

The act would take effect for the academic term beginning on or after July 1, 2026, applying to student teaching placements commencing on or after that date.

Legislative Journey

  • Hearing scheduled: December 2, 2025 (1:00–2:00 PM, in A-2).
  • Previous actions include referral to the Committee on Education on February 27, 2025; Senate concurrence recorded.
  • Related bill: HD 886 is noted as a replacement measure.

Potential Impact

  • Aims to improve access to and compensation for student teachers, potentially attracting candidates to teaching and supporting teacher pipeline development.
  • Creates a state-supported funding mechanism for stipends, with district-level administration and DESE oversight, contingent on future appropriations.

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

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