Bill > AB1128

This bill establishes the California Student Teacher Support Grant Program to provide financial compensation for student teachers during their required 600-hour clinical practice, which is a mandatory component of teacher credentialing programs. The program would be administered by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and would be funded through a one-time legislative appropriation. Student teachers would receive stipends equal to the daily substitute teacher rate in their local educational agency (which includes school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education). To participate, local educational agencies must require students to pass a criminal background check and obtain a commitment from participants to complete their teaching credential requirements and the full 600 hours of clinical practice. The bill aims to improve teacher retention and recruitment by alleviating the financial stress associated with unpaid student teaching. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing would be required to submit an annual report to legislative committees detailing program participation, including the number of student teachers paid, how well the program addresses teacher shortages, and the ethnic and racial composition of participants. The bill emphasizes the Legislature's intent to support aspiring teachers by providing financial support during their clinical practice period.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1128