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Bill

AB 1148

Relating to: grants to school districts to pay student teachers an hourly wage, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clint Anderson and 20 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill authorizes school districts to pay student teachers hourly wages through state grants to increase teaching profession accessibility and address workforce shortages.

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Bill Summary · AB 1148

Legislative bill overview

AB 1148 would authorize Wisconsin school districts to receive state grants specifically designated to pay student teachers an hourly wage for their work in classrooms. The bill grants rulemaking authority to implement the program and includes a fiscal appropriation to fund these wages.

Why is this important

Student teachers currently work unpaid or minimally compensated positions while completing their teaching credentials, creating financial barriers for individuals from lower-income backgrounds and potentially reducing the diversity of the teaching workforce. Compensating student teachers could make the profession more accessible and help address Wisconsin's teacher shortage by making the pathway to teaching more financially viable.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal cost: The bill requires state appropriations during a period when education budgets face competing pressures; critics may argue funds should go to raising experienced teachers' salaries or other classroom needs
  • Program design questions: Unclear how hourly rates would be set, which districts qualify, and whether this creates equity issues between well-funded and under-resourced districts
  • Implementation burden: School districts would need to manage payroll systems for student teachers, adding administrative complexity and costs beyond the wage itself

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

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