HB 523: Enact the Future Educators Support Act

The bill aims to provide financial support for student teachers and teachers as an in-demand job. The state board of education and the department of education and workforce will provide financial support to individuals enrolled in teacher preparation programs during their student teaching or field experience periods. The department will provide a cost-of-living stipend and the state board will provide test fee reimbursements based on financial need. Public school districts may pay student teachers a wage rate not less than the minimum wage and offer them health care benefits on the same terms as teachers. State institutions of higher education may establish lower differential tuition rates for individuals in teacher preparation programs, including a waiver of general or instructional fees. The department of job and family services will update the list of in-demand jobs to include teache…