Bill > SR545

This resolution creates the Senate Paid Student Teaching Study Committee to examine the challenges and potential solutions related to unpaid student teaching in Georgia. The committee will consist of six members - four appointed by the Senate majority caucus leader and two by the Senate minority caucus leader - with the Senate President designating the chairperson. The committee's primary purpose is to study the financial and logistical barriers faced by student teachers, including how unpaid internships impact educator recruitment and retention, particularly in high-need and rural schools. They will investigate the potential benefits of paid student teaching, examine cost estimates and funding mechanisms, and explore best practices from other states. Legislative members will receive standard allowances for up to five days of work, with funds coming from Senate appropriations. The committee is required to file a report with findings and potential legislative recommendations, which must be approved by a majority vote of the committee members. If no report is approved, meeting minutes may be submitted instead. The committee will be abolished on December 1, 2025, providing a structured timeframe for completing their comprehensive study of this critical education workforce issue.

Education

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71987